The fire flickered and danced, silence filled the room as Natalie
and Nick pondered their own dreams of the future, their recent
encounters with the spirits of Kessel House and the events that kept
them together .. and apart. Natalie leaned against Nick, curling into
his strong arms. She feared he would soon move on, and did not know
what she would do if he left her. They had been through so much in
the past three months.. the investigation at the haunted house, which
forced both of them to confront issues from their past- although Nick
would not say who had come to him. He just seemed down.. less
resolute in his pursuit of a cure even after seeing Janette and her
brief return to humanity.. and he would not even discuss trying to
use the same method as Janette. Of course coming so soon after that
demonic possession, and the fever.. not to mention his near fatal
head wound..

Natalie was just so tired.. she fought the fatigue and queasiness
at work every night.. although working nights as a coroner did not
help either problem. Her assistants were nagging her to see a
doctor.. this had continued way too long for a flu.. but for now it
felt good to just rest in Nick's arms. This was her reality right now
and it felt good.

"So.. Natalie.. is it mine?" Nick asked softly, allowing one arm
to drift lower on her abdomen. Only once had their relationship
progressed beyond the semi-platonic friendship they enjoyed.. and
yearned for more.. but at the time, he had forgotten what he truly
was.. and now he lived with the memories of that night.. as well as
his 800 years as a vampire.. and the incessant hunger that prevented
him from showing Natalie his love as much as he'd like.

"Is what yours?" she turned slightly to meet his eyes, a puzzled
expression on her face.

"You don't know? The baby.. Is it mine?" he asked patiently.

"What baby?" She sat upright looking directly at him, her
heartrate rising. <is that possible? We were together only once..
but I thought vampires were sterile.. oh my..>

"Oh, Nat, I thought you knew.. I thought that was why you came
over today." Nick sighed and looked very apologetic <how could I
be wrong.. the signs are all there>.

"Umm.. if I can ask.. since I have not even suspected this.. how
do YOU know?" she looked at him hesitantly. Nick was always so
reticent to talk about his vampire senses, urges, abilities. What she
knew she picked up by observation mainly.

He wrapped his arm around her, inhaling deeply, pulling her
closer. "Your blood.. it smells different."

"Smells different?" she asked.. <this is a new one..>

"Yes.. every mortal has a unique smell.." he began to caress her
abdomen, feeling the very slight fullness.. trying to sense her more
fully..

"So.. What's mine? My smell that is..?" she asked snuggling closer
leaning against his strong shoulder <as long as he's talking,
might as well learn as much as I can>

"Apples and cinnamon.. sweet but spicy.. just like you.." he
kissed her forehead lightly. "But now.. I detect something more,
undefined but different.. its not the aura I'd feel if a vampire had
fed from you." she looked at him quizzically. "If a vampire feeds
from a mortal, they leave a scent.. kind of a 'hands off'.. and most
vampires will then stay away.. unfortunately, the vampires I worry
about most in your regard, would not respect that.. or I would have
already tasted you.." his voice trailed off. Natalie just sat there
stunned at this revelation.. this was all news to her. "And besides..
you haven't had a period in at least two months"

She pulled away, her face flaming and walked toward the fireplace,
keeping her back to him. "Uh.. how do you know THAT?"

"Oh, Natalie.. you don't know the temptation you present to me.. I
want you so much.. and when you are having your period.. the blood
scent is so strong that I fear for your safety .. I just can't be
around you.. I'm so afraid of hurting you.." He stood and walked up
to her. "You never noticed?"

She searched her memories, and indeed, she could not remember ever
being at the loft during 'that time'. A thought came to her
suddenly.. she turned and faced him directly. "But couldn't we use
that to our advantage?"

"How so?" Nick had always avoided menstruating women.. and as a
mortal in the 13th century, they were an absolute taboo.

"Umm.. how do I put this delicately..? Uh.. would that blood be
enough to satisfy the vampire enough for us to be together? Trust
me.. that first day.. the flow is pretty heavy.." her cheeks were
flaming.. she had never discussed such personal matters with a
man.

Nick looked at her thoughtfully, sensing her embarrassment. "I've
never tried that.. but you know it might work.. would be messy
though.. but I don't mind messy." He grinned, a glint in his eye
spoke of deep desire. "That still does not answer my original
question."

She turned and leaned against his chest and sighed. "IF I am
pregnant, then yes. It is yours. I have not been with anyone besides
you in years. But I thought you could not father children.."

"That's what LaCroix always told me.. but then it could be because
mortal women do not usually survive an encounter with one of us..
they are either killed, or brought across.. in which case, they could
not support a pregnancy. Have I ever, uh.. given you, um.. a specimen
to analyze?"

"No.. and it might not be a bad idea.." the scientist was working
overtime on this theory that she was indeed pregnant. "But you are
going mainly on a smell.. can you hear a heartbeat?"

Nick turned her around to face him. "No, not from here. At least
not yet, but I can listen if you want.. at this age, though, I will
need direct contact."

"Direct contact?" she almost hesitated to know what he meant.

"Yeah.. skin to skin.. my ear directly against you.. umm right
over your uterus." He looked in her eyes, trying to stay clinical..
just the thought of being against her warm body was enticing.. but
she had to want it.. had to trust him..

"Do it. I want to know." She said firmly and walked back over to
the couch, unbuckling her belt and loosening her slacks, pulling them
down. He put a hand out and stopped her.

"That's far enough.." he said softly. "Lie down." As she complied
he looked at her. "Don't worry, Natalie.. I may change.. but I won't
hurt you." She nodded, and reached up to touch his tousled blond hair
as he knelt next to the couch. He leaned over and laid his head
lightly on her belly, and concentrated.. a broad grin lit his face
when he found the sound.. the rapid, muffled beat of an unborn
heart.. his eyes glowed golden for a minute and then returned to the
clear blue before he spoke. "Hello, little one. You don't know what a
miracle you truly are but your daddy loves you.." his eyes filling
with blood tears, he gently kissed Natalie's belly and looked up.
"Yep.. you're pregnant.."

He turned and stood as Natalie refastened her slacks. "well, I
guess I DO need to make that doctor's appointment that Jill and Grace
have been nagging me about." She looked at him sharply. "And when do
we announce it at work? If I request any special restrictions at
work, the gossip lines will lead right back to you. And fast.. you
know Grace is the main pipeline between the police department and the
coroners office.. and her suspicions about us are getting too
accurate for comfort."

"That's OK, Nat. I fully intend to take responsibility. I am
looking forward to being a father.. and formalizing our
relationship."

"Won't that be dangerous? It will get back to the Community.." she
did not comment on his last statement, not totally sure what he
meant.

"I'll talk to LaCroix.. see what his 'price' is.." he grimaced at
the thought.. La Croix's price was generally pretty high and he
wasn't sure what bargaining power he had. "I don't think the rest of
the community is a problem.."

"Oh, since when? What about enforcers?"

"The fever.. Nat. Too many debts owed to you. No.. the only
problem is LaCroix.. if he pushes, the Enforcers might be called..
but if I get to him first.. Don't say anything yet.. not even to
Grace.."

"OK.. but I will go ahead and set up my doctor's appointment."

"Nat.." he hesitated and looked at her. "Would you consider moving
in here? I want to share this miracle every step of the way.. and I
don't think you should live alone.."

"You know I'm a package deal.. with me you get Sydney.."

"And baby.. I think we can all share.. I'll even add another
bedroom and a nursery.. say yes, Natalie, please..." he looked at her
with that wide-eyed 'little boy' innocent gaze that melted her
heart..

"Yes.. Nick. I will live here.. but I won't kick you out of your
bedroom.. either we share or no go."

"You would trust me? To sleep with you.." he looked at her
incredulous. This was better than his wildest dreams..

"Yes, Nick.. I trust you implicitly.. I have never feared you.."
She gazed at him directly, no hesitation in her eyes. He could sense
her peace and contentment... and utter trust... and wondered how he
could be so fortunate to have found her.

CHAPTER 2

The morgue was quiet that night. No new cases. And now that
Natalie knew what was causing her fatigue and nausea, she knew how to
manage it. An unexpected cancellation had allowed Natalie to see her
doctor that afternoon and she confirmed it.. Natalie was indeed
pregnant.. twelve weeks pregnant. After being chastised for delaying
her prenatal care so long, she did an ultrasound and routine blood
tests...

Natalie was trying to catch up on paperwork but was distracted by
her thoughts and the small picture she slipped into the frame next to
Nick on her desk. Lost in her thoughts, she did not notice that the
door of the lab had opened until Jill spoke up.. "Got any of the
files done? Oh.. what is so fascinating? Hey, an ultrasound picture..
oh, I love looking at these.. who's is it?" she snatched the picture
before Natalie could stop her. Reading the radiology label, she
looked at Natalie with a big smile. She enveloped her in a wide hug..
"Oh, Natalie, this is great.. I am so happy for you.. I have to call
Grace.."

Natalie put out a hand to stop her from touching the phone. "No.
Don't. Please, Jill, let me handle it.. You know how I hate being the
latest fodder for the gossip mill.. and this will be a doosy.. it'll
be all over town within hours.. and I have not even told family."

"OK" she said reluctantly. "So.. how far along are you? Does Nick
know?" at Natalie's shocked look, she giggled. "Nat, honey.. of
course I know he's the father.. I've not seen you with anyone else
since I started here.. and I HAVE seen how he looks at you."

Natalie looked sheepishly at her. "I didn't know we were that
obvious. But please, Jill.. I am not ready for this to be common
knowledge. Don't say anything yet."

Jill smiled and seeing Nick at the door, stood up. "OK.. if that's
what you want.. Oh, hi Nick, come on in.. good to see you." she
walked past him and whispered "daddy."

"OK.. OK, sorry I snapped at you. I called LaCroix.. he wants to
meet with both of us today. And how did she know it was mine?"

"What does he want with me..? I thought you were going to take
care of it." she sighed.. LaCroix was not one of her favorite
people.. just the thought of a command meeting with the ancient
vampire was enough to send chills down her back.

"He didn't say.. and he didn't act surprised when I told him about
the baby .. so we may be in trouble."

"Trouble? With whom? I thought you said I was owed.." she began to
pace. This was not good.. not good at all.

"What about Jill? Will she keep quiet?" he asked calmly, putting
his arms around her shoulders and leaning against the cooler
door.

"I swore her to secrecy.. I said I had not even told family yet..
and she said it was obvious that it was yours." Natalie answered,
trembling slightly.

"That what was yours, Nick?" Tracy stood at the door, looking at
the two of them. <I interrupted something here.. they are looking
guilty again.. something is up..>

"What brings you here, Tracy?" Nat spoke up.

"We have a call Nick. And aren't you going to answer my question?"
Tracy tried to meet his eyes.

"I'll drive.. get in" she said and Nick sighed. He hated riding..
but was sufficiently distracted that this was not altogether a bad
idea.

They drove for a while, Tracy kept giving Nick puzzled looks.
"Tracy.. spit it out.. Just ask, before you explode." He said
patiently.

"Is there something going on with you and Natalie?"

"That's a rather personal question, Tracy. I'm not sure you need
to know just yet."

"No.. it is my business if it's my life I'm worried about. I don't
want my partner distracted every time the ME is around. And it is
obvious that the two of you are more than casual friends. I just want
to know.. how much more.."

"You're that second person today who has claimed that we were
'obvious' about something. Well, if it is that obvious, you don't
need to ask.." Nick answered in his best matter-of-fact cold voice.
Tracy sighed.. she would need to go to a different source.. after
all, she was a detective.. it was time she had a little girl talk
with Natalie's assistants.. she knew that Grace was very observant..
and a leading source of the police department grapevine.. if anyone
knew, Grace would.

*********

The flashing lights and buzz of activity made the crime scene
stand out.. a beacon in the night. Parking behind the morgue's van,
Natalie got out grabbing her clipboard and bag. She walked through
the crowd of on-lookers and stepped under the yellow tape barrier,
looking for Nick and Tracy. Walking up to them.. she looked around
and asked.. "so what did you have for me?"

"Body found by the lake by some boaters.. floating. We're not sure
it's a drowning though. And it has been in the water for a while."
Tracy answered, shuddering slightly. But then, Tracy was not known
for handling bodies well.

Natalie groaned inwardly and reached into her bag for the jar of
wintergreen gel. Better to prepare myself, she thought, dabbing it
under her nose. The body was covered by a thick plastic tarp. Natalie
laid down her bag and slid on her gloves before removing the tarp.
Trying her best to fight down the nausea, she methodically jotted
down her observations.. she was a professional.. she could do
this..

Rolling the body over, a wave hit her.. the odor was more than she
could stand. She turned, leaning on a tree and took a deep breath.
<I won't be sick.. I won't be sick..> it was a mantra, and she
reached into her bag for some crackers. Seeing her distress, Nick
came over and took her hand.

"Sit down, Nat. Deep breath. Good. Do you need to leave?" he
murmured to her.. rubbing her shoulders as he crouched by her. They
were starting to attract attention and Captain Reese walked over.

"Dr. Lambert? Are you OK? You look a little pale." He looked at
the couple closely. <hmm, he is hovering.. something is
up..>

"I'll be OK.. I don't know what hit me.. I just felt nauseous. I'm
OK now.. I can finish.." with Nick's help, she stood and headed back
to where the body lay.

"Knight, don't you have work to do?" Reese nudged him. He was just
standing and staring at Natalie. <There was definitely more to
this relationship..>

Natalie finished, and motioned to the attendants to come and bag
the body as she walked over to Reese, stripping off the gloves. "OK,
Captain.. this was not a drowning.. he was dead when he went into the
water.. oh 4, maybe 5 days.. the water's cold enough that I may be
able to get more for you later but those are definite ligature marks
on hands and feet. I'd say he was tied up.. I'll list as homicide and
get you a report by the end of the shift."

He nodded. "Take care of yourself, Doc. I've never seen you react
to a body.. and your assistants say you've not been feeling well.
Have you been to the doctor?"

"I AM a doctor.. but yes.. I have.. and I am fine.." he looked at
her doubtfully. Natalie was beginning to wish they could just
announce it.. her professional life would be easier if everyone knew
she was pregnant.. No one questioned a pregnant woman being
queasy.

****************

On the dot of 4 am, Nick walked into the morgue to find Natalie
still at work. She paused her dictation long enough to motion to her
desk. "Have a seat.. almost done."

"We have an appointment, remember?" he was anxious to get this
over with.. and not be stuck at the Raven for the day.

"How could I possibly forget, Nick?" She looked at him grimly.
"You think if I still smell of formaldehyde, I'll be less
appetizing?"

"Nat.." he smiled. "Never.. you are always appetizing.." he said
sliding the chair closer to her and breathing on her neck, kissed her
lightly.

"Natalie, I have those lab reports for you.." Grace's voice could
be heard as she quickly took in the two of them.. very close..
"Ooops.. hope I'm not interrupting.."

"No, Nick is here to give me a ride.. and he is being entirely too
distracting.." she teased, pushing her chair back. Scanning the
report, she hit print.

"OK.. Grace, could you send this to Captain Reese.. I have an
appointment today and need to get home."

"Sure.. are you ever going to make that doctors appointment? Nick,
you have to talk to her.. this nausea is just not normal." Grace's
friendly concern was evident but Natalie merely thought <yes, it
is.. it is very normal>

CHAPTER 3

The crowd had thinned when they walked into the Raven, and Nick
could sense that most of the patrons were vampires. The entrance of a
mortal female drew some interested looks until it was seen how close
Nick held her. While many of the community did not agree with Nick's
quest, his age and family lines garnered a grudging respect.

"Where's LaCroix?" Nick hollered at the bartender, who waved
toward the back offices. Taking Natalie firmly by the hand he went to
the door of the office and knocked.

The door was opened, and LaCroix stood there, dressed in his usual
black, sipping from a stemmed glass. "Ah, Nicholas, how good of you
to join me today. And it is a pleasure indeed to see you again,
Doctor." His smooth voice and mannerisms belied his long history of
violence.. and power. LaCroix was not a man to be trifled with.

"Yes, well, I did not think this meeting was optional." Nick
replied calmly as they sat in the indicated chairs. He held Natalie's
hand firmly.

"Indeed. It was not optional. I am glad you had the wisdom to
comply with my wishes for once." He turned his gaze to Natalie,
catching her eyes directly as he sat in the overstuffed chair
opposite hers. "So, doctor. Nicholas tells me that you are in a
family way." LaCroix looked at her intensely. He usually had no
respect for mortals and their weaknesses.. but had developed a
grudging admiration for the young mortal woman who had captured his
son's eye. He had shown better taste than usual.. this one would even
be a good addition to the family..

"Yes. That is correct." Her voice was steady, clear.. showing no
hesitation or fear.

"And Nicholas is the father?" he gave her a penetrating look.. no
emotion.

"Yes." she kept her replies brief.. nothing to anger him.. just
answer the question.

"How unusual. I have never known a vampire to father a child..
much less a mortal woman to survive the mating. And Janette always
said that our Nicholas was not much in the control department..
somehow I don't see it. Are you sure..? Whom else have you been
with?" his voice was almost accusing.. threatening.

"No one. I have been with no one else. The child was conceived the
night Nick came home from the hospital after being shot.. he
functioned as a mortal.. in all ways.. for a brief time." She keep
her voice calm, and Nick squeezed her hand. He knew that his input
just yet would only make things worse.. this was her interview.

"And yet, he IS a vampire. Vampires cannot father children." He
gave her his best 'evil' tone

"They can't normally. But even today, Nick could father a child..
just by artificial means." She ignored his attempts to rattle her and
put on her best 'clinical' persona.. the one she had perfected in
residency

"What does THAT mean, doctor? Please be specific." His anger was
tinged with curiosity <just how far had this research
gone?>

"OK.. you want specifics. I'll give you specifics. I'll give you
the medical facts. His sperm count is normal. It may look like blood,
but there is a sufficient quantity of viable sperm to impregnate a
woman. If you would like, I could do a count on you... if you think
that Nick is not normal, that my previous work has altered him. Its
just that no woman ever survives conception with you guys. But with
artificial insemination.. " She looked between Nick and LaCroix..
taking in their surprise.. obviously no one had ever studied them
that closely.

"But you were not.. artificially..?" LaCroix watched her closer..
more intently.

"Uh.. no.. I was inseminated the um.. natural way.." she began to
flush..

"Fascinating.. tell me doctor.. oh, that is a delicious color you
turn..." he glinted a cold smile and Nick reached up to tighten his
grip on her arm. "And Nicholas was able to achieve this act without
taking your blood?"

"Yes.. but remember... he did not remember what he was." She
looked at Nick before continuing. "And we have not tried since.."

"But you would..?"

"Yes." her voice was quiet, calmly resolute.

"But he won't, I would assume, then. Has he ever taken your blood?
Even a sip?"

"No.." she said and Nick nodded in confirmation.. he was beginning
to become concerned about this line of questioning.. LaCroix would be
able to tell if he had fed from Natalie.. why ask?

"Tell me doctor, what are you going to do about this child?" he
leaned back in his chair, steepled fingertips pressing at his mouth
as he watched her closely.

"Do about it? Excuse me, LaCroix? What are you getting at..? If
the question is abortion, the answer is no.. and I am too far along
anyway." She said with more intensity than she'd intended. <ah..
she has fire.. a worthy addition indeed..>

"Are you going to stay with Nicholas?" he moved closer, catching
her eyes.

"Yes." she answered avoiding his stare. <I will not let him
hypnotize me>

"As a mortal?" he asked slowly.

"OK, let's lay the cards on the table.. what do you want of me? I
don't like the cat-and-mouse games. What is the penalty or price for
getting pregnant by a vampire?" she was getting impatient. Time for
the real negotiation.

"Indeed.. the direct approach. A woman after my own style, yes.
Very well, doctor. The community elders have heard of your dilemma."
Natalie looked at him shocked, and then at Nick, who merely shrugged.
"We have our ways.. I knew of this before you did, my dear. You carry
Nick's aura.. and I knew he had never partaken of your blood.. which
you have so eloquently confirmed for me.. and now the child's
heartbeat is quite evident.. at least to me." He smiled at her like
an indulgent father. "You will have our protection for the duration
of the pregnancy and the child's infancy. On the child's first
birthday.. you will be presented with an option. Be brought over by
Nicholas.. or by me."

"And if I refuse to be brought over?"

"Then you and the child will be targeted for execution by the
Enforcers." At her sharp gasp.. he went on.. "Natalie, you know too
much.. you've seen too much .. and you have too much evidence.. if
Nicholas EVER moves on, they would have been called. And now, well,
the child changes everything. This child is a half-breed. It carries
the aura of a vampire but is mortal. It likely will have some of the
powers of a vampire. The elders are concerned a mortal parent would
not be able to control it.. And that puts the community at risk... an
unacceptable risk.."

"And if we disappear?" Natalie looked between the two men.. she
had to know all of her options..

"Yes, Nicholas.. you know the Code and chose to violate it.. you
are getting off rather lightly in my opinion. It is only because the
Elders respect the good doctor and her previous contributions to the
Community that you all are not simply to be executed now." LaCroix
said with fury.

"OK, OK.. I agree.. I agree.. just, stop it you two.." Natalie
spoke up, and both men looked at her questioning..

"Natalie.. you don't know what you are saying.." Nick said with a
desperate tone.

"Yes, Nick.. I do.. I am saving the life of my child.. your child.
This is what mothers do.. sacrifice for the sake of the child..
protect the child. And I can think of worse things than to spend
eternity with you.."

"Very good, my dear." LaCroix spoke smoothly. "I look forward to
welcoming you into the family." His expression had changed to a
tentative smile. "And Nicholas.. your choice is to accomplish her
conversion privately before the child's first birthday.. or you will
have witnesses. A lot of witnesses." LaCroix said, taking her hand
and pulling her up.. gently touching her slightly full abdomen, he
said. "ahh.. you will be a very loved child... you see my dear,
doctor.. there are many in the Community anxious to see this child
grow up strong and healthy. Do keep in touch, my dear."

She just looked at him, slightly shocked, as Nick tightened his
grip around her waist. "OK, LaCroix.. that's enough.. Do you mind if
we leave now? "

He led Natalie out and they drove back to the loft in silence,
riding up the lift before either said anything. "Nick.. we never went
to my place.. can I borrow a t-shirt? And I will need to go over this
afternoon to feed Sydney."

"Natalie, how can you be so calm? You have just been handed a
death sentence.."

"No, Nick.. I prefer to think of it as a transition. I have a year
and a half to get used to the idea.. to spend time in the sun.. and
then I join you in eternity. And I still have your child to raise.
Not a bad deal from my perspective. Oh, I know there are a lot of
things you regret.. feel guilty about... But Nick, don't you see..
that was how you were raised. Much has changed since 1228.. I don't
have that sense of punishment and guilt and I will be able to drink
bottled.. not to kill. Think about the research I could accomplish if
I did not have to worry about a virus killing me.."

"You have a unique perspective, Nat.. what did I ever do to
deserve you?" he said with a kiss to her cheek.

CHAPTER 4

The shrill ringing of the phone woke them both.. Natalie had
drifted up against Nick in sleep and they both laid in the middle of
the big bed, cuddled together, arms around each other. Nick reached
over and picked up the phone.

"Yeah.. Knight here.." he said groggily.

"Nick.. Tracy.. do you have any idea where Natalie is? She is not
answering her page and her machine picks up at her apartment." She
went on breathlessly as Nick just handed the phone to Natalie.

"Here, it's for you." he mumbled.

Natalie took the phone from him and nervously answered, "Uh..
hello?"

"Natalie??" she could hear Tracy's voice, sounding very shocked.
"OK.. well.. this answers a lot of questions that Nick would not
answer."

"Tracy.. what was so important that you had to wake us both up?"
Natalie asked impatiently.. she could sense the office grapevine
gearing up.. oh, well.. they had not even heard the best part..

"Oh, yeah.. I just never expected to find you at Nick's place" she
giggled <in Nick's bed, you mean> "Anyway.. there was a drive
by shooting on the 401.. multiple casualties. You are needed to come
in early... Jill called me for Nick's number. I thought she was
crazy.. but I guess not.. anyway, I said I'd call. So could you call
your office?"

"OK Tracy.. and you can stop giggling anytime. Bye.." Natalie
clicked the phone off and sat up. "Well.. the cat is definitely out
of the bag now. Tracy will waste no time telling the world where I
was.. including the sleepy voice on the phone." She dialed the phone
"Hi Grace.. yes I just heard. I'll check my pager.. I think I left it
in the kitchen.. or I was sleeping too soundly.. No I am not at
home.. I am sure there are messages there.. OK, OK.. Give me a half
hour to get some breakfast and I'll be in.. No, Tracy found me.. I
said I'd be in.. Bye, Grace." She looked at Nick, already asleep
again. <well, no sense trying to wake you.. I'll just leave you a
note.>

*************

Walking into her lab, already changed into scrubs,, her hair still
damp, clipped behind her neck.. she found the amused gazes of both
assistants. "What.. did I forget to tie my shoe?"

"You've been holding out on us, girl.." Grace said sternly. "You
did not say WHERE you were.. we had to hear that from Tracy."

"And I'm sure she did not leave out a single detail.. like Nick
being half asleep.. I am sure he won't even remember talking to her."
Both assistants laughed at that as Jill handed Natalie the reports of
the pending autopsies on her schedule.

"So.. Natalie.. did you have that other appointment yet?" Jill
looked at her hopeful..

"OK, Jill.. if I am going to be fodder for the grist mill, I'll
let you two leak out something even better than Tracy's scoop. I'll
get everything over with at once." Her eyes glinted as Grace looked
at her puzzled. "Jill, why don't you show Grace that picture you were
admiring yesterday." Jill grinned at her and took the ultrasound,
strategically placed in Nick's frame.

"She's REALLY been holding out on us, Grace.. look at what I found
yesterday.. Pay close attention to the name labels on the scan.."

It did not take Grace long to figure out what she was being told
and she gave a 'whoop' and hugged Natalie firmly. "Oh, Natalie,
honey.. I am soo excited.. how far along are you? And why didn't you
say anything? We've been nagging you about the fatigue and nausea..
if I'd known.."

"It's OK, Grace.. I am just glad to have such good friends who
care so much. And I am twelve weeks along.. I'm due the end of June
and everything is going quite well." She moved over to the table.
"And since you all dragged me in here so early.. let's get
started."

***********

They had completed two of the post-mortems before Natalie declared
it time for a break.. now that they knew.. she could take care of her
needs properly.. and maybe the nausea would not be so pronounced.
Grace came back from the break room with fruit juice and a bagel for
her as she entered data into the computer.

Looking at the clock, she suddenly realize it was 5:30 already..
the sun would set shortly. She dialed the loft and waited for the
machine to pick up.. Nick always screened calls. "Hey there Knight..
I know you're there.. are you awake? Pick up.." she waited and sure
enough, Nick answered.

"Nat.. where are you? I woke up and you were gone?"

"I'm at work.. Oh.. you don't remember the phone ringing around 2
o'clock?"

"No.."

"Brace yourself.. it was Tracy.. looking for me."

"Oh, my.. god.."

"Yeah.. and you were very groggy.. and just handed the phone to
me.. so, guess what?"

"I don't think I need to guess.. the entire precinct knows you
were at my place.. in my bed.."

"Yep. And I figure.. since we are feeding the purient interests of
the entire police force.. I might as well really make it juicy.. I
told Jill and Grace about the baby.. so God only knows how far the
news has gone.."

"OK, deep breath.. yes.. thank you for the warning.. you're at
work, then?"

"Yes.. I came straight here.. could you stop by and feed Sydney
and load up some clothes?"

"Like what?"

"Like the contents of my top drawer, a few suits for work.. my
makeup."

"OK, yep.. I'll see you around 9.. OK?"

"See ya.." Natalie hung up the phone and saw both assistants
leaning against the wall, with Tracy Vetter staring at her, an amused
look on her face.

"Oh, Natalie.. I'm sorry I got the giggles.. Its just that, well,
I tried to ask Nick about your relationship and he gave me the run
around.. I just never expected you to be there.."

"In his bed.." Natalie looked at her intently "Go ahead.. say it..
And by the way.. he does not remember you calling. Its OK, Trace..
Nick is just a very private person.. and he detests being part of the
grapevine.. but I assume that more than the four of us know where you
found me.."

Tracy looked sheepishly at her.. "well, I was at my desk when I
called.. and umm, I was giggling so hard.. people wanted to know what
I found so amusing.. so umm, well.. the entire precinct knows.. but
it really did not surprise anyone that I know."

"Its OK, Tracy.. I'm tired of hiding things.. so now I don't need
to." She smiled at Tracy.

"Are you feeling better today? You looked kind of pale at the
scene yesterday.."

"I'm fine Tracy.. I won't guarantee that it won't happen again..
but its nothing to worry about."

"Nat? You looked like you were going to throw up.. I have NEVER
seen you get ill at a body.. no matter how bad it was.."

"Tracy" she said quietly. "I'm pregnant."

Tracy looked at her, speechless.. recovering quickly, she giggled
again.. "Oh, I can't wait to see that partner of mine.. when he keeps
things to himself, he does a damn good job.." She walked over and
gave Natalie a quick hug. "Congrats Nat.."

*************

Evening had fallen, Nick had postponed showing up at the precinct
as long as he could. He had gone over to Natalie's apartment, fed
Sydney and then packed several boxes full of clothing, essentials and
non-perishable food.

He walked into the precinct making a direct route to his desk..
and seeing Tracy seated, facing the door he slowed.. looked around..
and saw the stares of the other detectives.. and the balloons tied to
his chair.

"Uh, Trace.. what is this?" he asked evenly.. he was not going to
fight this.. obviously Tracy was going to have fun teasing him.

"Well.. things are making a lot more sense now. I had an
illuminating discussion with Natalie" he looked at her intently
<not that illuminating, I hope>. She grinned at him, "Read the
balloon, Nick." He looked up and saw it read 'Happy Father's Day'. "I
know I am like, really early and I had to search for one of those in
December.. but I couldn't resist.. and you would not believe how many
people noticed.. Nick.. I think you will be a wonderful father.. I am
so excited for you and Natalie." She stood and gave him a quick,
tentative hug and went back to her own desk.

"Thanks Tracy.." he smiled, and sat down. "I'm glad you are
enjoying this." He looked at her big grin and shook his head.
"Tracy.. don't we have some work to do?"

"Knight.. office!" Captain Reese's voice boomed over the room, and
Nick stood and followed him into the office. He could see his
personnel file sitting on the desk blotter.

"So.. you are full of surprises it seems." Reese looked at him
sternly. "Just how many adjustments do we need to make in your
personnel file..? and when were you planning on telling me that you
and the coroner were living together?"

"Well.. she is just moving in today.. This is not going to be a
problem with the department is it?"

"Yes, we found that out.. the hard way. Well, her supervisor will
deal with that omission.. so you will be staying at your current
address? I assume she is now your next-of-kin? And I hear that a baby
is on the way.. actually.. the entire department knows you have a
baby on the way .. so when is the wedding? And no, the department
will have no problem with you two being married, or co-habitating or
whatever."

"Uh.. yes to the address and yes to the next-of-kin.. and to the
baby.. as to a wedding.. we'll see. I want her to see that I am not
marrying her only because of the baby.."

"Obviously not planned.." he was puzzled how two very intelligent
people, one of them a doctor could be surprised with a pregnancy.

"No.. but this has been a rough year for both of us.." he looked
at the captain seriously. "The baby was conceived the night I came
home from the hospital after being shot.. when she was the only thing
I could remember... and I could not even remember her name, just how
I felt about her. I pushed Nat into going further than we'd ever gone
before.. and while I don't regret the result.. I don't want to push
her right now." he looked up again. "Please, Joe.. that little
confession was just between us.. it is NOT for public consumption. I
think I have given the rumor mill enough grist for a while."

"Of course, Nick. Just tell me whenever you're ready for that
classification change. If you need time off with short notice, I
think I can swing it. And you know that when the baby comes, you are
entitled to 2 months paternity leave. I suggest you take it.. you
will need the time as a family... Nick.. you will be a wonderful
father.. that child is lucky."

CHAPTER 5 (two months later)

Moving into the loft had been easier than Natalie ever thought
possible. She found that she enjoyed the space.. and waking up next
to Nick every afternoon had a calming effect on her. The nausea had
passed.. and while she felt 'bigger' every day, she had more energy.
They had met with architects the day before and made plans for the
renovations which would add a nursery and another bedroom.

Humming softly, she pulled the cookie tray out of the oven. She
loved to cook.. and if Nick could not enjoy it.. her co-workers
would. Tonight was their potluck to celebrate Valentine's Day.. any
excuse for chocolate was good enough. She was distracted enough that
she did not notice his presence until he spoke.

Turning to face him, she let her annoyance show. "I wish you would
not do that!" she thumped her wooden spoon on the table. "What do you
want now? Nick is out.."

He walked over to her slowly. "I know.. I waited for him to
leave.. I wanted to see you alone.. hmmm, such spirit for a
fledgling.. enticing to say the least." He smiled running his hand
over her neck and then gently massaged her enlarged belly. "And how
is the little one and her mother."

"I'm fine.. and my child is fine.." she did not move as the baby
began to kick against LaCroix's hand.

"Ah.. a greeting. Yes, she shows fire and desire.. much as her
mother.."

"LaCroix.. do you know something I don't..? They have not seen on
the ultrasounds.. is this a girl?"

"But of course.. I know. I can feel it, sense it.. after all,
Nicholas and I are bonded.. as you and he are bonded. In the legal
sense, as well, I would assume?"

"No.. he's hinted at 'formalizing the relationship' but that is
all."

"Surprising.. one so medieval in many ways, allowing his child to
be considered a bastard?"

"Well.. the child is not here yet.. And I thought vampires did not
believe in such mortal conventions as marriage."

"Ah.. but you have a child who will grow up among mortals.. For
the sake of the child, conventions may be warranted. As long as you
don't take the phrase 'till death do us part' too seriously. You
realize that Nicholas and Janette had a pseudo-marriage for about a
century already. Yours may last longer, but eventually you will part
your ways."

"Yes, I knew that they were together.. only a century you, say.
Well.. maybe I'll have to talk to him.. I'm sure we will last longer
than that.."

"Oh, but you can do so much more than talk.. you have a power over
him which even I do not control. Do you realize how frightening that
is.. for one as old as I?"

"OK.. you know I prefer the direct approach.. spill it.. what do
you want?"

"As you say.. the direct approach.." he sat down at the table and
smiled as Natalie began taking the cookies off the tray to cool. "Oh
how domestic.." he smiled at Natalie's glare. "I know we have a year
before decisions will be made.. but it is inevitable and I thought I
should begin your tutelage.. make the transition easier so to
speak."

"OK.. but why wait until Nick is out.. surely he would not
object?" she said hesitantly.

"Oh, my dear.. he had not yet reconciled himself to the very idea
that you will join the community whether or not he approves. Tell me,
Doctor. If there was not a child to consider.. would you still agree
to this?"

"Yes. I would.. with no hesitation. I am not suicidal, LaCroix..
was that really a choice you presented?"

"If your life was not in danger? Would you still?"

"Yes. And even if Nick were to reject me later .. I don't think
your existence is as terrible as he says."

"Would you kill?" he asked softly, barely audible. She looked
around hesitating. "He cannot hear you, my dear.. I will not tell him
of this conversation."

"Yes. Not at random or indiscriminately.. and not unless my
survival was dependent upon it.. but yes."

"Good.. very good.. I thought you showed promise and would adapt
well. There is something you should know.. If you want Nicholas to
succeed with your conversion, he must get off the bovine." She looked
at him quizzically "It weakens him.. your spirit is quite strong, you
will overwhelm him... if you want him to do it.. he must be stronger
than you. And when you first come over, you must consume only pure,
fresh human stock."

She laughed nervously. "I can get that at work easily" She stood
and looked at him. "So, do you want me to just switch the bottles on
him?"

"No, my dear.. talk to him. If you must, tell him we spoke. He
will know I was here."

"Oh? How?"

"We can sense one another's presence. Especially family. I will be
happy to arrange for your supplies both now and in the future. But
this needs to be voluntary. Much as you have consented to me.. and
freely. Nicholas will still see your conversion as involuntary and
that concerns me.. I do not want his attitudes to bleed through and
infect you."

"Well, is this yet another campaign stop? I know you are willing
LaCroix.. when the time comes.. I'll know who is right for me.. OK?"
Natalie smiled calmly.

"Agreed. And Natalie.. please, keep in touch.. you are welcome at
the club.. Trust me, his aura comes through loudly enough, no one
would dare touch you.." She smiled at him and allowed his brief,
formal, embrace before sitting down in the chair.

Encounters with LaCroix took a lot out of her, emotionally and
physically. It was as if the tension of being so strong was
exhausting. It was another half hour before she felt like moving and
by then it was time to get ready for work.

************

It had been a quiet night at the morgue. For a change, paperwork
was the main agenda. Cleaning off a big stack of files and sorting
them by precinct, Natalie prepared to make the rounds to deliver her
file reports.

"Hey, Jill.. I'm off to play delivery-person. I'm on pager." She
pulled on her heavy coat and picked up the stack for the 96th. Her
coat did not quite close any more.. and she had not gone to the
precinct in over a month.. since the big 'announcement'.. it was time
to bite the bullet and be seen.

"No messengers tonight, huh?"

"No.. I feel the need to see the sights.. umm, be seen."

"Get it over with, you mean... I know you've done a great job of
hiding." Jill smiled indulgently. She did not know why Natalie was so
embarrassed to show off her relationship with Detective Knight. After
all, he was a gorgeous guy.. and obviously loved her.

The drive to the 88th was short.. and Natalie had only a few files
for them. She was their back-up ME, so did not see nearly as many
cases.. and rarely got called to crime scenes for them. The 27th was
her next stop. She had first come to the coroner's office as their
primary, but when Nick transferred to the 96th, she had also. She
still had many friends there, who were all delighted to see her in a
maternity dress. Her only disappointment was that their captain had
the night off.

Finally pulling up to the 96th, she parked and lifted the stack of
files. Most of her cases were here. The pavement was wet, and just a
little slick, but as she tried to keep her balance, she felt a hand
at her elbow. A uniformed officer supported her and took the files.
"Hey, Doc.. let me give you a hand.." he said walking her to the
door. "Can't have you hurting yourself.. or the little one" Natalie
blushed at the attention. She was not accustomed to being so
obvious.. indeed, she had only begun wearing maternity dresses that
week and while they were certainly more comfortable, she felt awkward
wearing them.

"Thanks, Sullivan." She said, taking the files from him when they
were inside. Walking up to the desk, she checked the duty roster
<yep, they are both here..>, she signed in and went into the
detectives room. Nick looked up as she walked in.

"Nat? What's up?" he said as she walked up to his desk.

"Deliveries.. and here are some reports for you.. and for you
Tracy.." she smiled.

"I don't think it is my face that people are looking at." She said
dryly, sliding the coat off, into Nick's hands. He walked over to the
rack and hung it up, admiring the deep blue dress she wore.. it was
simple but accentuated her softly curving belly, now clearly visible.
"Even you.. Nick.. stop staring.." she whispered as she followed
Tracy to the break room.

"Yep.. you DO know how to make an appearance. I don't think a
single eye saw your face.. but they did see what you were wearing."
Tracy said, handing Natalie a mug and a tea bag.

"You mean they saw my belly.. Yeah, its kind of noticeable now. I
can't hide forever, Tracy. I think people are morbidly fascinated by
this." Natalie responded, stroking her abdomen gently. "I mean, we
kept things so secret for so long.. I just don't think anyone sees
the same side of Nick as I do.."

"Got that right." Detective Miller smiled grabbing a coffee mug
and filling it. "Personally, I don't think I NEED to see the same
things you do.." he leered at her.

Tracy slapped his arm playfully. "Enough, Miller. Down.."

"OK, OK.. just having some fun.. after all, Nick so seldom gives
us anything to have fun with.. we're getting great mileage out of
this.. and you showing up tonight.. well, let's just say that those
who thought this was an elaborate hoax are now paying up.. unless, of
course, that is a pillow under there.."

"It isn't." Nick's voice was stern, flat and Miller scurried out
the door. There was a reason for Nick's precinct nickname of the
'Knightmare' and few of his co-workers wanted to tempt fate.

"Nick.. be nice.." Natalie scolded stepping closer against him.
"Happy to see me?" she whispered softly.. their lips meeting.
Forgetting Tracy was even in the room, he pulled her closer, one arm
on the flat of her back and the other twined into her auburn curls..
twisted his way into her conservative knot as their kiss deepened.
His tongue ran over her lips, seeking entrance. She opened her mouth
and met his explorations with her own. He wound his hand across her
back, caressing her as she moaned softly pulling him tightly against
her.

"Ahem.. shall I fetch some ice?" Tracy said loudly as they broke
apart and both looked at her, sheepishly. Applause broke out and Nick
looked back and saw that most of his fellow detectives were peering
into the break room.

"Well.. anyone have ANY doubts now?" Detective Lock said loudly.
"Doctor.. thank you for the demonstration.. and it was so good to see
you.. both. Nice dress, by the way." She grinned at Natalie. "I don't
think Detective Knight knows the penalty for public displays of
affection in the precinct." At Nick's puzzled look, she continued.
"Guys.. what do you think?"

"Hmm.. this was more than a peck on the cheek"

"Or even a closed mouth smooch."

"I think there was tongue action." Detective Miller spoke loudly.
At Natalie's flushed expression, he looked triumphantly around the
room. "Ah, hah! Class A PDA.. at least they kept their clothes on..
this time.. we know that at least once they did not." A chorus of
laughs circled the room. Natalie remained against Nick's chest
looking up at his closed eyes and frustrated expression.

"Donuts for a week." Lock called out.

"A week? Too easy.. donuts and gourmet coffee!"

"Agreed?" Lock called out.. "Detective Knight.. how do you
plead?"

"Guilty.. on all counts.. in more ways than you'll ever know." He
finally released that big teasing grin and Natalie breathed a sigh of
relief. At the hum of laughs and teasing remarks, he looked at his
fellow detectives "And since I don't drink coffee, or eat donuts.. I
will have Nat as my technical adviser."

"Yeah.. I bet she's your technical adviser in more than one
area.." Miller did not finish the comment as Nick stared coldly.

Quickly returning to the open smiling expression, he went up to
Tracy. "So.. are there any other little rituals that I have somehow
missed out on?"

"Well.. the bachelor party.. cops usually throw a pretty wild
bachelor party." Nick just looked at her silently.. his eyes dark and
threatening.. OK that was a forbidden area. " And I will warn you.. a
second offense of a class A PDA is donuts for a month. You don't even
want to know the penalty for a third offense."

"So in other words.. go to the interrogation room and lock the
door?" Natalie piped in. Nick just looked at her astonished. "Play
along.. this is all in fun.." she murmured. "Lighten up, would
you?"

"Hey.. that could be fun.. uh.. Tracy.. if we did a , what did
they call it.. um.. a class A.. is there more?" Nick stammered. He
was really trying to get into the right frame of mind.. he was
trying.

"Yep.. Class B is clothes loosened.. class C is clothes off.. and
you REALLY don't want to know the penalty for that one."

"Oh, but I do, Tracy." Natalie was intrigued.. obviously Nick was
not comfortable with the friendly teasing that was commonplace among
mortal co-workers, but she was, and would do her best to get him to
go along.

"Next girl's night out, I'll tell you all.. but not here.. and not
where my partner can listen in.. you can tell him if you want.." her
eyes twinkled and Natalie smiled in understanding. "Speaking of
which.. some of us ladies, including YOUR two assistants have already
made plans for tomorrow night.. Join us?"

"It's OK, Nat. Go. Have fun. They need a driver anyway.. at least
I won't have to worry about bailing you out again." Nick teased.

"Oh? What is that? Do I know that story?" Tracy was intrigued. She
had never heard the story of Natalie's wild night out several years
back.. and the booking photos had mysteriously disappeared shortly
after the event, so it was never discussed.

"No.. It was before you were at this precinct and I won't tell
you.. .. ask Grace. She might remember part of the evening.." Natalie
grinned. "So, where do we meet?"

"My place, ten pm sharp. OK?" Natalie just smiled and nodded.
"Nick.. don't we have some work to finish?"

"Yeah, yeah.. yeah.. see you in the morning, Nat .. OK?" He gave
her a quick peck on the cheek and followed Tracy out. Natalie
followed, finished passing out the files and was grabbing her coat
when Captain Reese walked out and motioned to her silently. Nick had
not noticed, and Natalie followed Reese into the office and closed
the door.

"Umm, sorry about all that in the break room.. I didn't know they
would do that.." she said apologetically.

"Oh, Natalie.. that was all in fun.. As long as my officers do
their jobs, I don't mind a little fun. But not in the squad room. The
break room is fine.. But that is not why I wanted to see you."

"Oh, what's up, Captain?"

"I just wanted to know how you are doing.. I've noted no more
problems at crime scenes.. how about in the lab?" she shook her head.
"And this may be none of my business.. I know how secretive both of
you are and have been about all this.. but I am still not seeing a
ring on your finger."

"Joe.. don't push.. the baby is not here yet.. and I know Nick
better than you."

"In more ways than one.." he smiled.

"OK, OK.. we are committed to each other in our own way.. and we
are not big on public events.. so don't plan on anything elaborate..
if we need you, we'll call and tell you to meet us at the
Courthouse."

"Anytime, Natalie.. anytime. I just want Nick to stand up to his
responsibilities to you and his child."

"Oh.. he will, Joe.. I have no doubt that he will." She said ...
<and a 2000 year old Roman general will make sure of it>

************

Natalie was still awake and reading on the couch when Nick
strolled in shortly before dawn. He tossed his jacket on the armchair
and shrugged out of his holster before sitting down at her feet.
"Cutting it a little close there.." she said quietly, looking up.

He started to massage her feet. "Seconds to spare.." He looked
around, sensing a residual presence... "Nat, why was LaCroix here
today?"

"To talk..." she said simply, seeing his look of distrust. "And
you know what we talked about?"

"No.. but Natalie, he can be very manipulative. Please be
careful."

"Nick.. he was very polite. He only had two things to say to me..
the first is that he wondered why we have not married yet."

"He actually said that?"

"Umm.. no, I think he phrased it as 'we should go through with the
mortal conventions'. Now I translate that as marriage."

"And the second thing?"

"You aren't even going to answer the first?"

"I want to respond to both things at once.. OK?" he said lightly,
moving his hands up her leg, massaging her calf.

"OK, OK. You win. He wants me to convince you to 'go off the
bovine'." Nick looked at her and groaned. "Now, before you go off on
this.. he does have a point. For my sake, I need you in control. I am
not going to attempt you crossing me, if I don't think you have
control.. He has offered several times.. and he probably will keep
offering until it is done. I'd rather you do it, but I WILL go to him
before our deadline. I may not know exactly what happens but I know
that I do not want to have an audience."

"And afterwards?"

"I will drink human.. but you are welcome to drink whatever you
want.. even my protein shakes. He will supply your needs. I know how
you feel about killing.. and that is NOT what I am asking of
you."

"OK. Natalie.. I love you enough to strengthen the vampire in me.
You are right. I do need to have better control before I would dare
being with you. I will go back to his special vintage." Nick kissed
her hand gently and stood. She watched as he walked across the room
and went to the safe. Opening it quickly, he pulled out a velvet
pouch.

She watched silently as he walked back over to her. "And everyone
thinks I am ducking responsibility.. I know Reese spoke to you also.
Natalie, I wanted to do this right.. you were correct, I am a
medieval man in many ways.. I would not allow my child to be
illegitimate. But I also did not want you to think that the only
reason we were together was for the child."

"Nick, I have never thought that." She said softly, swinging her
legs off the couch and sliding closer to him.

"Natalie, I love you. I know of the tremendous sacrifice you will
be making for me." He put his fingers over her lips. "Shhh. Its OK..
I know you believe you are giving free consent, but I exposed you to
my world so it IS my fault that you will be brought into it."

"OK, yes.. that much is true.. but I am truly happy to be joining
you.."

"So.. if you are joining me.. you need the appropriate symbol. And
that takes time." she just looked at him silently, questioning. "I
had this shipped from my estate in Brabant.. it has been in the vault
for 700 years.. waiting for the right woman. I needed to get it
cleaned up, sized and refurbished." He sighed and looked deeply into
her blue eyes. "Miss Natalie Lambert, you would do me great honor if
you would consent to be my wife.. now and for eternity." He said
formally and took her left hand.

"Yes, of course I will marry you Nick.. and no matter what LaCroix
says.. this is for eternity." She replied, looking back into his blue
eyes, now rimmed with gold. She was even getting used to the way his
eyes changed.. she felt the coolness of a ring being slid onto her
third finger and looked down. It was an exquisite diamond bordered
with rubies all set in a wide gold band engraved with a filigree
pattern. "Oh, Nick.. this is incredible.."

"It was my mother's ring.." he said quietly and Natalie just
stared, realizing how old that made it.

"Nick.. are you sure you want me to have it? Its priceless.."

"And so are you, my love. Perfect fit, I would say .." He reached
for her, and their lips met in a long, tender kiss. All too soon, he
broke away, eyes glowing and fangs dropped. "Sorry, Nat.. I really
want to go further.. but I DO need better control."

She reached up and touched his hand gently.. "Yes, Nick.. its OK.
I love you. I can wait. Maybe you should make that call to
LaCroix?"

"No.. I think I need to make another call first.. like an
appointment for us.. at the Clerk's office. And then.. what's your
preference? Remember no churches."

"How about a walk across the hall to a judge? We just ask a few
people to meet us as witnesses.."

"No white dress? No ceremony?"

She laughed. "First off, Nick.. obviously I am not a virgin.. so
no white dress. And I have never dreamed of a ceremony.. and I really
don't need one.. I just need you.."

"No argument here.." he pulled out his cell phone and dialed as
she went out to the kitchen, poured him a mug of cow blood and
herself a glass of juice.

"OK.. the clerk's office is open until 6 on Thursdays.. so I made
us an appointment for 5:30. And then a 7:00 appointment with Judge
Bains. So who do we want there?"

"He might not show.. but I'll invite him. Let's see, Reese may
still be at the precinct.. he is usually there until 10. You'll see
the others tonight. And Nat... I have a feeling that as soon as Reese
knows, he'll drag me out tonight.. so don't worry if I am not here
when you get home."

"You are assuming that I will be home first." She smiled. "But at
least we know, I'll be completely sober."

He just laughed and dialed the phone.." Yeah, Captain Reese
please.. OK.. thanks... Captain, Nick Knight here.. Is that offer for
unplanned leave still open? .. No.. Cap, she's fine. Umm.. I want to
book off Thursday night.. yeah.. its important.. and umm.. we'd both
like you to meet us at Judge Bain's office at the courthouse at 7:00
PM.. Yeah.. We are. Thanks.. You'll be there?.. OK, great." He hung
up the phone.. Natalie swore she could hear the captain's cheer. "OK,
Nat.. your turn to book off." He handed her the phone and she dialed
quickly.

"Terese.. hi.. this is Natalie Lambert... I know, I just left.. no
I'll see her tonight. Actually, I need to speak with Dr. Coburn.. He
is? OK.. well, book me off for Thursday. Yeah.. personal day. Yeah..
very important. OK.. yes, I will be in on Friday."

CHAPTER 6

Natalie dressed in her new black long sleeve sheath.. the silk
draping over her abdomen elegantly. With black hose, heels and a
glittery gold necklace, she was ready for a night on the town. She
saw Jill's car in front of Tracy's building when she got out.

"Wow.. you are dressed to kill.." Grace gushed, opening the
door.

"Maybe.." Natalie smiled as Tracy came out in a short black
leather skirt and royal blue silk blouse. "Hm. Not bad Detective.. so
what is on the agenda, ladies?.."

"We're meeting Maria from Vice.. you know her .. she knows all the
best clubs, and Angela, Homicide from the 27th . They'll be waiting
at a club downtown called the Raven." Jill spoke up. Natalie tried to
keep a straight face as Tracy gasped. "Oh, you've been there?"

"Umm, yeah. Once or twice. It's kind of gothic."

"Well, that sounds like Maria. Do you mind Nat?"

"Not at all.. sounds like fun.. remember.. I'm just the driver..
Just tell me where to go.. and we're there..." she twirled her keys
for effect. The light reflected off her ring and cast a pattern on
the walls and Tracy gasped.

"OK, Nat. Stop it right there. Hand.. Out. Now." she commanded,
grabbing Natalie's left hand. "Oh.. My.. God... am I hallucinating..
or were you NOT wearing this ring at the precinct this morning?"

"How very observant of you detective.. no I was not." She
grinned.

"Nat, honey.. tell me that you are wearing it there for the reason
I hope.." Grace asked hopefully.

"Yes.. This was Nick's mother's wedding ring and he gave it to me
this morning. We are making it official and would like all of you to
join us."

"Of course.. you know we'd love to be there. When?"

"Thursday night, 7:00.. Judge Bains office."

"Nothing like a short engagement, huh Nat?" Jill teased.

"Well, it's not like I should wear white.." Natalie laughed.

"Well, that changed the theme of tonight's festivities.... Ladies,
this is now a bachelorette party." Tracy announced. "Let the revels
begin.." She swept on her jacket and led the way to the parking
lot.

"Natalie, this IS your party.. you sure you don't mind driving?"
Grace asked as they all climbed into Natalie's car.

"Really.. I do not mind.. I won't be drinking, so it makes the
most sense." Natalie replied and drove directly to the Raven. She
found a parking spot in the alley and got out.

"Natalie.. you've been holding out on us too, I didn't give any
directions.." Jill teased as they walked into the club.

"Yes.. I have been here before.." Natalie answered, scanning the
crowd. <still mainly mortals.. strange that I can tell the
difference so readily>. She spotted the two detectives seated on
the upper level and waved. "Over there.. I'll get the first round.."
she motioned to the table and walked up to the bar.

The bartender recognized her from her previous visits with Nick.
"Good evening, Doctor. Where's Nick?"

"Not here.. I'm here with friends. I'll have a club soda with
lime.. and send over a bottle of champagne for my friends.. and.. put
it on Nick's tab." She smiled broadly, pointing at the table.

"Yes, got it.. I'll have a waitress bring it over. And HE wants
you to say hello." He motioned his head to LaCroix who stood at the
other end of the bar, sipping his drink.

She glanced over and saw that her companions had sat down and
started animated conversations. When she saw the waitress bring the
order over to the table, she moved over to where LaCroix stood.
"Yes..?" she looked at him.

"Welcome, my dear. You are looking, shall we say, breathtaking."
He said smoothly, nodding toward the table "Who are your
companions?"

"My assistants, Nick's partner and a couple of detectives. We are
just here for some relaxation. Nothing official. I trust my friends
are all safe, as I am."

"But of course.. I will see to it when the crowd changes.. Have
fun.." he smiled indulgently and kissed her hand lightly. She smiled
back at him and made her way to their table.

"Uh, Natalie.. do you know that man?" Tracy whispered as Natalie
slid off her coat and sat down. She knew the main clientele of the
club were vampires.. and suspected that the owner was one as
well..

"Yes, I do.. he is the owner and a friend of Nick's." she said
quietly and sipped her drink. Tracy was quiet but did not say
anything.

"Natalie.. not that I'd ever turn down champagne.. but did you see
this label? This has to cost a fortune.." Jill sipped the drink and
pointed at the bottle. "This is your party.. you should not be buying
the drinks."

"Well.. thank Nick.. I put it on his tab.." she laughed.

"No.. you didn't.." Maria laughed. "I don't know Nick very well ..
but from what I've heard.. you don't mess with the Knightmare. I
would never have the guts to do that."

"Oh.. Maria.. I don't think you've met Natalie." Tracy said,
glancing around nervously, checking for Vachon or Urs.. or any of the
other vampires she'd met. And puzzling over the revelation that her
partner evidently had an ongoing 'tab' at the Raven... and was
'friends' with the owner.

"Yeah.. you're the night shift ME, right?" at Natalie's nod, she
continued. " I guess you pack a good scalpel."

"Among other things.." Natalie giggled.

"Hey.. that's a gorgeous ring, Natalie.. and I see the rumors were
right. You're looking great." Angela interrupted, sipping her drink.
"I never did hear.. who's the lucky guy?"

"Nick Knight." She said with a smile, catching Maria's shocked
look. "So.. yeah.. I may have guts putting our party on his tab.. but
at least I'll come home tonight sober.. and I'm sure Reese will do
his damnedest to make sure Nick is feeling no pain."

"Well.. if the party is on him.. then let's stay here.. they
usually have a great band on Wednesdays.. and Natalie, I didn't mean
anything by the comments about Nick." Maria looked at her
concerned.

"I know.. hey, don't worry about it.. I know what his nickname
is.. and believe me, I have seen him worse than any of you can even
imagine." Natalie smiled. "Now ladies, I believe we are here to have
fun.. And Tracy you promised to tell me what the penalties are for a
class B and class C PDA."

Tracy flamed red.. but Maria spoke up. "So they nailed you, huh..?
What did they get you for?"

"Umm, just some deep kissing.. a bit of tongue and a moan or
two."

"That was YOU moaning, Nat.." Tracy giggled. "Yeah, we clipped him
for a week of donuts and gourmet coffee."

"First offense, huh? Did Tracy explain what a class B is?" At
Natalie's nod, Angela continued "Varies.. for the guys it is usually
something gross or physical .. for women, it's just doing everyone's
paperwork or something menial."

"And a class C?"

"We hide the clothes.. and everything else that can be used for
cover.. and if things are quiet and the command officer is out or
distracted, we haul the offending officer out in cuffs to be umm,
booked for indecent exposure." Tracy giggled "So please Nat.. a
little restraint would be nice.. I have no desire to know if my
partner is circumcised or not.."

"He's not.." Natalie said with a devilish gleam.. causing them all
to break out in peals of laughter.

"Oh, Nat.." Tracy giggled, wiping tears from her eyes. "I have to
work with him.. you know I'm going to spend my next shift giggling
and staring just at the thought."

"And.. you'll be too embarrassed to tell him what is so funny..
right?" Tracy merely nodded, but the ice was broken.. and the jokes
began to fly..

Two hours and two bottles of champagne later, they were all in the
spirit of the party.. and enjoying their company and the attentions
of male guests on the dance floor. Natalie could sense a change in
the clientele. Tracy and Natalie were the only ones at the table when
a young dark haired man walked up to the table. Natalie could sense
he was a vampire.. and from the tenseness of her smile, she knew that
Tracy did also.

"Doctor.. I do not mean to intrude.. but I just wanted to thank
you for the care you gave me and my friends. You have my eternal
gratitude.." he took her hand and kissed it and suddenly stepped back
"Oh.. please, pardon me.. tell him I would never ..."

She reached out and smiled "Don't worry, it's OK.. I know.." she
whispered and then murmured "I think you have said all that needs be
said.. and I trust my friends are also safe.." He smiled and backed
away, nodding in agreement.

Tracy turned and looked at her intensely. "OK Natalie. What was
THAT about? And don't say nothing."

"I provided medical care to some of the city's lesser known
population. So he's thanking me.. that's more than my usual
clients."

"Uh, huh.. Natalie.. I know more than you think I do.. and I have
a feeling you do also.."

"Tracy.. there are a lot of things I know that would surprise you.
And a lot of things that I really cannot discuss. Even with you." She
took a deliberate sip from her beverage. Tracy just looked at her and
said nothing.

Grace and Jill had returned to the table when Natalie noticed
LaCroix making his way across the club. <Hmmm.. the balance must
have shifted..>

"Ladies.. I hope you are enjoying your evening.." LaCroix said
smoothly sitting down at the next table and nodded to Natalie to join
him. Motioning to Tracy to stay, she moved over to his table.

"So.. the balance has shifted?" she asked softly, knowing that he
would be able to hear her clearly.

"How observant doctor... you show great promise indeed. And
speaking of which.. I note that you were successful in both of your
missions. My congratulations indeed.. and that is an exquisite
ring...wherever did he get it?"

"Belgium .. it was his mother's. So, you have spoken today?" she
had very quickly adapted to the 'no name, vague topic' discussions
that were safe to overhear.

"Yes.. and the first delivery was sent. And I will see you
tomorrow evening. I hope your attire is as alluring as tonight's is..
and now.. since all have seen that this table is under my protection,
I will take my leave.. but please, let me know if you need assistance
of any kind." He stood and gently kissed her hand and walked away.
Natalie moved back to their own table to the stares of her
companions.

"Natalie.. you have REALLY been holding out on us.." Maria said,
shaking her head. "Do you know that is the owner?" at Nat's nod, she
went on.. "And half the people here are terrified of him. They call
him 'the General' ... but no one will say what branch he was a
general in.. or when... they just say you don't mess with him.. and
here you have him charmed.."

"Well, I don't know about charmed.. he does have a violent side..
but then, so does Nick.. and they are friends from way back, as close
to family as you can get. I guess I know how to deal with it. He is
very loyal to friends.."

"You really do have no fear?" Tracy just shook her head. Up close,
she could tell that LaCroix was indeed a vampire.. either Natalie did
not know.. or she did not fear.. either way was dangerous.. She
looked up to see the band setting up <oh, no.. Vachon..> His
eyes met hers.. as well as the other women at the table.

After enjoying the first set of music, Natalie stood.. she was by
far the most steady of her companions who had managed to polish off
yet another bottle of champagne.. <oh well, Nick can afford
it..> and with a quick apology to her companions, made her way
towards the ladies room. To her surprise, the crowd gave her wide
berth.. although she sensed their eyes following her. Walking past
the stage she glanced up at Vachon. "Hey Vachon.. I enjoyed the
music.. introduce me to your friends?"

"Hi Doctor.." He ran his eyes up and down her figure with an
appreciative eye. "You know, I did not believe it when Tracy said you
were pregnant."

"Well.. as you can see.. I am."

He moved closer and spoke softer. "But what I find truly
astonishing is who the father is. And don't try to lie about it. I
can sense it clearly.. the fact that everyone is staying away from
your table is not just that HE came over to talk.. although that was
a nice touch. No.. they fear you both.. a mortal carrying a vampire's
child." His voice had dropped even lower. "And that vampire is known
for his violent temper.. even for one who drinks cow."

"Not any more." She whispered and smiled at his startled look.

"Well.. I bet that endeared you to the General."

"Indeed. I know who not to piss off.. and he is Number one on the
list. He gives me an assignment.. I pay attention. Is it my fault
that his son listens to me, and not to him?"

"Natalie, can we talk?" She glared at Vachon and steered Natalie
into the ladies room. After determining that they were alone she
turned to Natalie with an alarmed expression. "OK Natalie.. enough.
How do you know Vachon?"

"Medical care of a friend.. I told you. I treat some of the city's
lesser known populations. Don't worry, we are all perfectly
safe."

"Uh, huh." She said uncertain, then looked at her closely.. "you
know what he is?"

"Yes.. I do.. and I know that you do also.. and I also know that
it is not smart to talk about it. But yes.. I have treated some of
his friends.. done them some favors.." Natalie's voice was low.. but
calm.

"Favors?" she repeated, looking at Natalie curiously.

"Tracy, I am the night shift coroner.. think about it. There are
occasions where my descriptive abilities are needed."

"You cover for them?" Tracy asked incredulous. Natalie was the
last person that she would imagine would fudge a report.

"No.. Tracy.. I simply do not call attention to things which are
beyond our jurisdiction. When appropriate I send findings to my
contact and they take care of it. What goes into my reports are
things which the department can handle. If you really know what he
is.. you know that there are things which we cannot and should not
interfere with."

"Who is your contact?" she probed. All this time, and Natalie knew
about vampires, too....

"I cannot tell you that. He swore me to secrecy. And my very life
depends on my ability to keep a confidence.. and so does yours. There
are those who would not hesitate to kill us both.. just because we
know of their existence. Remember your first encounter.. did he not
try to take your memory of him?" Tracy was silent.. thinking back to
her initial meeting with Vachon.. how he tried to hypnotize her.

"OK, Natalie.. I trust you.. I hope you know who you are playing
with." She leaned back on the wall and watched Natalie closely.
<oh.. if you only knew.. >

"Come on.. Grace will think I fell in.." Natalie smiled and led
the way out into the club. She could again sense the watchful eyes of
LaCroix.

It was close to 3 am when the women left .. all were feeling no
pain.. and Natalie was the only one standing upright without
assistance. She drove each to their home.. with her best medical
advice for hangovers and a reminder of their plans for the upcoming
evening.. and returned to the loft.

The shades were up.. but lights were all off. Natalie got off the
lift and found her way to the nearest lamp by feel.. she was getting
better at not tripping on the rug.. and was really not surprised to
see LaCroix seated on the couch.

"So.." he looked at her through steepled fingers. "Did you and
your associates have a pleasant visit to the club? You know, I AM
honored that you came."

"Yes.. we did. But that is not the real reason you are here." She
stated patiently. One did not rush these conversations.

"Nicholas's young partner. She knows?" his question was brief.

"Yes. Very little though. She knows of Vachon and Urs. And she
knew Screed. But her senses are too keen. She was asking me questions
about you. About what I know."

"Hmm.. And Nicholas?"

"She has not made the connection.. yet.. but it is only a matter
of time, I fear."

"Indeed... A problem?"

"You tell me.. I realize that I knew too much.. like medical
profiles that even you did not know.. but is it too much that she
knows that I know?"

"That you know of what?" he asked swiftly.

"The concept that vampires exist in the modern world. She saw me
talk to Vachon and knows that I know what he is.. I did not confirm
anything else, but I have to tell you she is pretty perceptive. Look,
the word 'vampire' did not come out.. I believe her exact words were
'You know what he is?' and I answered 'yes, and I know that you do,
and I also know that it is not smart to talk about it'. I know you
guard your existence closely and don't want her probing any further
but she was worrying me."

"Indeed. Well, I believe our first lesson will be the Code."

"The Code?"

"You do not know of the Code?" she merely shook her head, and he
smiled. "Ah.. so Nicholas has NOT been so free with information. The
Code is the rule of the Community.. known only to its members.. but
you, my dear have already committed to join.. and are under constant
surveillance.. so you may learn it.. and it is not written.. it is
learned. After that.. we will discuss what to do with Ms.
Vetter."

"She is a Resister. At least that's what Nick told me when she
first met Vachon and the Inca."

"Yes.. well.. if she is a problem, decisions may be forced. Let's
be honest.. you may be willing, but your decision is being forced."
He looked at her gently. "Oh, do not fret.. I won't kill her.. merely
scare her. I am quite capable of that."

"I'm sure you are. And are probably very good at it.. One of the
detectives with us tonight.. and she doesn't know what you are.. but
she is afraid of you.. and I was making her very nervous. But then,
she just thinks I am very gutsy.."

"That you are, my dear. That you are." He stood and looked up at
the skylight.. "I will take my leave of you now.. and see you later
this evening."

With that, he rose and flew out though the skylight. It almost
frightened her how quickly she had become comfortable around
LaCroix.

**********

Natalie had gone up to bed shortly after LaCroix left, with Sydney
curled up behind her knees. Although she knew he didn't need it, she
left a candle lit on the piano.

Nick got in shortly before dawn and stumbled up the stairs. It had
been a long time since he consumed that

much alcohol.. and he was more nauseated than intoxicated. He had
grabbed a bottle of LaCroix's special stock. He could tell by her
soft breathing and steady heartbeat that Natalie was asleep. He drank
deeply from the bottle, savoring the tangy flavor, the scent, the
sensations.. ahh.. how had he tolerated drinking cow.. For once, he
felt it safe to move in close to Natalie. Usually, he kept a
distance, although in sleep they moved closer, almost as if their
subconscious was unafraid. Changing into his black silk pajamas, he
slid into the bed and laid behind her, sliding an arm over her until
it rested on top of their child and was promptly rewarded with
movement and a kick. What could be better?

Natalie woke briefly.. squinting at the clock.. 9:30 AM.. ahh..
don't need to get up yet. She could feel Nick's cool, firm body
nested against her snugly with his arm around her tightly. She sighed
in delight and rolled on her other side facing him and nestled
herself against his chest, with her arm around his back. Thus
entwined, she slept.

************

Waking in mid-afternoon, Natalie went downstairs and prepared
breakfast for them both.. toast and coffee for her.. a crystal goblet
of LaCroix's special vintage for Nick. Belting his robe around his
waist, Nick walked slowly down and gave her a big hug..

"So.. you have fun last night?"

"Yes.. we did.. and I am sure that I am in much better shape than
any of my companions.. who turned it into a bachelorette party.. and
was your evening as much fun?"

"Interesting is more the word.. I hope there are no homicides
tonight.. I don't think anyone from the 96th will be in ANY shape to
do much thinking.. and I had forgotten how nauseating whiskey
is.."

"Whiskey??"

"Jack Daniels.. shots of Jack Daniels and poker.. and a scantily
clad stripper.." He grinned at her. "But I much prefer women who are
pregnant and smell of apples and cinnamon.." he kissed her forehead
lightly. "And we have an appointment tonight.. unless you have
changed your mind?"

"Never.. I will be ready in a half hour.." Natalie smiled
seductively and went back upstairs to shower and dress for her
wedding.

Precisely at 4 pm, Nick came into their room, dressed in an
elegant black silk suit.. carrying a slim box wrapped in gold paper.
Natalie was putting the finishing touches on her makeup.. her cream
colored silk dress hugged her soft curves and fell mid calf.. with
heels and shimmering hose and her pearl earrings they made an
striking couple.

"I have something for you.. call it a wedding present.." Natalie
looked at him, startled.

"But Nick.. I didn't get you anything.." she protested, taking the
box hesitantly.

"You have given me a child.. hope for the future.. and love for
eternity.." he whispered as she opened the box.. to find a heavy gold
necklace with a diamond and ruby pendant that matched her engagement
ring.

"Oh.. Nick.." she breathed, staring at the necklace. "Its
gorgeous"

"It pales next to you, my love.." he murmured, nuzzling her neck
before fastening the necklace. "Come.. it is time.. my beautiful
bride.."

The drive to the Courthouse was short, and their appointment at
the clerks office was quick. License in hand, they emerged to meet
their companions in the hallway outside the judge's chambers.

"Nick.. Natalie.." Captain Reese nodded to them. "You are both
looking very stylish.. and I must say.. it is about time you two
stopped the cat-and-mouse game"

Tracy walked up and handed Natalie a box from a florist... "I
thought every bride needs a bouquet.. and I didn't think Nick would
get out today.. So, partner.. feeling any pain today?"

"Thanks Trace.. and I am feeling about as much pain as you.." He
handed the bouquet to Natalie, who had greeted her assistants and
looked down the corridor to see LaCroix walk toward them. Tracy stood
in stunned silence as Natalie walked up to him and gave him a
friendly kiss on the cheek and allowed him to stroke her abdomen..
and Nick walked up and engaged him in friendly conversation..
obviously Natalie was not kidding when she said that the fierce owner
of the Raven was a friend.

Looking around at the assembled group, Nick took Natalie's hand,
glancing at his watch.. "I would like to thank you all for joining us
as witnesses. Come.. it is time.." together they went into the
judge's chambers.

After a simple twenty minute ceremony, Nick and Natalie emerged,
now married and accompanied by their police department friends, went
over to the 96th precinct for a reception. Citing the need to return
for his nightly broadcast, LaCroix excused himself after thanking
both Nick and Natalie for including him in their celebration.

CHAPTER 7 (two months later)

Closing down the computer, Natalie stood and stretched, rubbing
her aching neck.. only to find strong, cool hands touch hers and
caress her back. "Ah.. Nick.. that feels great." She turned and put
her arm around his neck, drawing his face closer. As their mouths
met, she pulled closer, molding herself to him.. that is, as much as
her rapidly expanding abdomen would allow.

"Are you ready?" Nick said, breaking the kiss and gently rubbing
the mound where their child rested.

"Yeah.. are you sure we need to go to the club? I could really use
some rest.." this latest 'command performance' had her worried.
Although LaCroix came over to the loft at least once a week,
ostensibly to tutor Natalie.. and harass Nick, she had not been to
the club since their wedding.

"Yes.. he said it was important.. someone from out-of-town that
you need to meet. And I am not ready to cross him right now."

"OK, OK.." she agreed, and taking his arm, followed him out to the
parking lot into the warm spring air..

The drive across town was quiet. Parking in the alley, he led
Natalie into the club. Few mortals remained inside but the dance
floor remained well populated with the immortal clients.

"Where is he?" Nick hollered to the bartender, who simply pointed
to the door leading to the private quarters. Shrugging his shoulders,
he led the way for Natalie and knocked on the door.

LaCroix answered the door, holding a stemmed glass, as usual and
smiled at the couple before him, motioning them inside and securing
the locks.

"So, why the summons?" Nick asked patiently.

"Sit here, Nicholas.. you and I will enjoy one of my finer
vintages.. This summons was for your lovely bride. And I did not
think you would permit her to come unescorted." He did not mention
Natalie's previous visit and had never sent the bill. "My dear, you
are looking radiant.. motherhood agrees with you. My guest is waiting
down the hall for you."

He escorted Natalie to another room down the corridor and opened
the door, waited for Natalie to enter and then returned to the main
room. Natalie tried to adjust her eyes to the darkness as the figure
struck a match and lit the candles. "Bon nuit, Natalie." The lilting
French accented voice brought back many memories..

"Janette.. why the secrecy?" Natalie recognized her immediately..
she was not the confused mortal woman sitting on her autopsy table
for a 'bullet removal' that she had seen six months previous, but
rather the smooth confident courtesan that Natalie had first known
.

"I am still a wanted woman in this town.. one cannot be too
careful.. and I am not ready to deal with Nichola's angst over
bringing me back over." She said casually.

"So.. what do you want from me..?" Natalie asked cautiously. While
she had met Janette several times, she'd never thought of her as a
friend.

"Simply to chat, my dear." She shrugged. "I see that my sources
were reliable."

"Oh??" Natalie probed. She had gotten somewhat used to being the
focus of the grapevine.. but the lines of communication within the
vampire world were still unfamiliar.

"I had heard that Nichola had managed to impregnate a mortal
woman. I just knew it had to be you.. it is quite the talk.. no one
has ever heard of this before.. I just had to see for myself."

"So, I'm famous.. great." Natalie was starting to feel like the
immortal sideshow.. and while she and LaCroix had formed a loose
alliance of sorts.. well, she was not sure how she felt about Nick's
former lover, pseudo- wife, one-time sibling and now child.

"And, Natalie.." her voice dropped lower. "I heard of the judgment
pronounced against you. I know we have not been the best of friends..
but, well.. I thought you might need someone to talk to.. that is not
going to fight with or about you."

Natalie just looked at her for a minute, and then relaxed a
little. Yes, she really did need to talk.. and Janette would be the
most appropriate person right now. "Yes.. well, I have agreed to it.
What choice is that anyway? Nick is still trying to figure out a way
to appeal or delay. But unless, I get pregnant again immediately, I
don't see how we can stop it. And I am not sure I want to stop it.."
her voice trailed off.

"So, he is being reluctant?"

"And that worries me.. I mean, there is always the risk he will
drain me and then let me die.. I don't want that. I'm almost ready to
just tell LaCroix that the job is his.. he keeps offering.. but
having him as a master scares me. I have seen how possessive he is
with Nick, I don't know if I could deal with him for eternity."

"There is another option." Janette said softly, calmly. "I could
do it.."

"But I was told specifically that my choice was Nick or LaCroix..
or the enforcers."

"No my dear, the choice is immortality or death.. preferably
immortality.. the community merely wants you converted, but would
prefer that an older, stronger person do it. I believe I would
qualify. Despite my month as a mortal.. I have regained all my
powers.. almost as if that month never happened.. and I am older than
Nichola."

"But why does it matter?"

"You are very strong, even as a mortal.. and I can already feel
you as I would a vampire. By carrying Nichola's child you are already
developing our senses. Some of that could be temporary.. but no one
really knows.. and no one knows how you survived the mating act.. so
you are already perceived as being very powerful. As a vampire, even
a fledgling, you will need a strong master, an older vampire .. even
that young Spaniard that you know.. you would overwhelm him.. he
would not be able to control you... it is possible one so young could
perish even in bringing you over."

"Oh? How is that possible?"

"I doubt you have been told much of the actual process of bringing
someone over.." at Natalie's nod of agreement, she continued. "Well,
the master must feed his own blood to the fledgling.. there is a fine
line between giving enough for the conversion and too much, allowing
the fledgling to overpower the master and drain him."

"Oh, I see." She said slowly. " Janette.. I thank you for the
offer.. and I will take it into consideration. I have not decided
whom I will trust with my life just yet. In any event, I would like
us to be friends.." Janette smiled and reached over to take Natalie's
hand.

"Of course, cherie.. we have an eternity.. and you are family. But
if you don't mind, my dear.. I know what a passionate man Nicholas
is.. it has been nearly a century since his last warm meal.. and all
he drinks is cow.. How DID you survive?"

Natalie looked at her calmly. "He didn't bite me.. he has still
never tasted my blood." At Janette's surprised look, she continued.
"Nick took a bullet in the line of duty last October. In the head.
Obviously it didn't kill him, although they did take him to a trauma
center.. and pronounced him dead."

"Not too far off the mark, Natalie.." Janette merely smiled.

"Well, I got there just before they sent him to the morgue, and
fed him some fresh blood and LaCroix hypnotized the staff.. and he
recovered.. although the bullets are still in there somewhere. I
can't exactly extract them easily from that thick head of his." This
brought a muffled laugh from Janette. "Anyway, he had amnesia.. did
not remember who he was.. what he was.. I took him home.. he
remembered me enough to know that he wanted me.. and things went a
little farther than I'd intended.. anyway he made love to me as a
'mortal' man. While I slept, he snuck out of the loft, and got caught
out in the morning sun.. got burned but made it back to the loft. I
had to tell him what he was, get him some blood to feed.. well, we
have not made love since then.."

"But you are married..?"

"Yes, and we sleep in the same bed.. and somehow, even though we
always start the morning at opposite sides, by dusk we are in each
others arms. And usually he is holding the baby.. he has a knack for
holding me in exactly the position she is laying.." Natalie sighed.
"It is only in my dreams though... that we can do more."

"Oh, Natalie.. This has to be difficult for you.. so many changes.
It is much more complex for you than it was when I came over."

"And I've really needed another woman to talk with.. one with whom
I don't need to keep secrets."

"Ahh.. then Nicholas has not said anything to his young partner.
Good. Surprising, but good."

"She knows of Vachon though. She knows just enough that I am not
sure how well I will be able to conceal myself.. after all, how do we
explain my sudden 'allergy'?"

"You don't. You are just too busy, or unavailable to come out.. or
the baby is sleeping. Whenever someone calls during the day, you have
an appointment.. there are many ways to be vague."

"What about work? I have always needed to take a lot of call."

"Negotiate.. tell them that you do not have a daytime babysitter..
you will only take call at night. Threaten to quit. They will not
want to replace a full-time permanent night shift coroner. If you
need to push the issue.. post-hypnotic suggestion helps."

Natalie laughed. "Yes.. I have seen Nick has use that to his
advantage.."

Janette smiled in return "Yes.. well, we were trained by the best.
That is something for you to consider as well.. your sire is
responsible for your education. LaCroix may be overbearing at times,
but he takes care of his own."

"Yes, well, he said I am under constant surveillance.. and I can
feel it.. even during the day if I am out on a call, I feel like they
know where I am.. it is weird... Anyway, he said I could start
lessons. I have been studying the Code.. and a little bit about the
history of the Community."

"I can believe you are being watched.. I am just surprised that he
would start already."

"Personally, I think he is trying to butter me up.. make me see
him as my teacher so that I will let him bring me over.. The way he
and Nick argue about it, I almost think there is something sexual
about it. Especially when they threatened to have witnesses if we
delay."

Janette did not respond at first <oh, you do not know how close
you are>. "I am sure he wants to control you and therefore control
Nicholas. And then there is the element of taking someone that
'belongs' to someone else.. that is part of his personality.. you
know he once fathered a child on the wife of one of the Roman
senators.. everyone knew it but dared not say anything.. even as a
mortal, he had a nasty temper." She kept her voice low pitched.. she
knew that if he wanted, LaCroix could listen to every word.. but he
had promised her a little privacy.

"Well that explains so much." Natalie said thoughtfully. She had
never heard so many personal details of their past lives. "Janette
this has truly been an enlightening meeting.. and much more pleasant
than my LAST command visit here."

Janette smiled warmly. "I am glad that I could be of service.. now
here is my card with my private number, should you need a woman's
ear. I will come if you need.. perhaps when the baby is here, I will
be ready to see Nicholas again." She smiled and handed Natalie a
business card and then moved to sit next to Natalie on the couch.
"May I?"

"Certainly.. and she should wake up soon.." Janette looked at her,
and laid a tentative hand over the swelling mound. "Janette, it's
OK.. you aren't going to hurt me." She took Janette's hand and moved
it lower, holding it firmly against the spot she knew the baby
rested.. and was promptly rewarded with a kick. Janette's eyes glowed
for a minute and her smile got bigger. "She says hello, auntie.. you
know .. it is weird. She does not kick on command for Grace or Jill..
but whenever LaCroix touches her, she kicks.. and now she did for you
as well."

"Could be coincidence."

"Oh, but you should see my belly when Nick touches it.. I swear
she does back flips until he talks to her."

"Doesn't that hurt?"

"No.. it just feels weird.. and now she is getting big enough that
I see the ripples when she is flipping." Natalie replied, looking up
at the other woman "Janette, I would like to see you again, if that
is OK.."

"But of course.. Now, my dear.. dawn approaches and unless you
want to be stuck here or leave your husband here.. you had best head
home.. I have SO enjoyed our chat." She stood and gave Natalie a
friendly hug. "Please keep in touch."

"Oh, I will.. and thank you for your understanding.."

***************

Janette's comments about feeling Natalie's presence still haunted
her the next night. She had not said anything to Nick.. indeed, she
would not even said who she had spent 2 hours talking to.. other than
to say 'an old friend' and that 'it was a surprise' but she could
tell it bothered him. She figured she would confess the next day,
when she was sure that Janette would be out of town again.. and she
knew, as Nick did not, that Janette's new home was just across the
lake in Buffalo, New York.

On a whim, she waited until she knew both of her assistants were
busy elsewhere and Nick was tied up doing interviews and drew a
sample of her own blood. Taking it, and recent samples from Nick and
a pre-pregnancy control sample of her own blood, she went across town
to the Research facility to borrow time on her friend's electron
microscope. The equipment was seldom used in the middle of the
night.. and she had a standing offer. Nick's sample, as usual showed
an abundance of what she called 'the vampire virus'. She usually used
her own blood as a control, so had seen it under this equipment
before.. but was not prepared for what she now saw. A mixture.. not
pure vampire, as Nick's.. but not human either. The scientist in her
started to think of variations. She got out a fresh slide, placed a
drop of her control sample, and then watching under the scope, placed
a drop of Nick's blood in it.. and watched as the 'vampire' cells
consumed her normal cells.

"Oh this is weird.. too weird" she muttered. <ok.. phase
two..> she did the same test in reverse.. and the result was the
same. And then she took her own fresh sample, added Nick's blood and
watched.. and nothing happened.. the cells co-existed.. "hmm, this is
weird, too." She looked again at her original slide and did some
calculations. "OK, time for the second opinion." Packing up all her
supplies and evidence of her nocturnal visit, she returned to the
lab.

Everything was still quiet.. opening a stray file to cover, she
picked up the phone and dialed LaCroix's private line... she knew he
was doing his show but she knew a call from her would prompt a
visit.. soon.

"LaCroix.. this is Natalie. I need to talk to you." she said when
the machine clicked on. <he knows how to find me.. and he'll be
too curious to ignore me>

Indeed, he did.. before she knew it.. music came across the radio
instead of his smooth voice and the rush of air she felt told her of
his arrival.

"Yes.. you called?" concern was clear.

"Let me know if anyone comes this way." She began and then dropped
her voice to a low confidential tone. "First, thank you for inviting
me over to see Janette. We had a lovely chat."

"So she said.. and she, too, is looking forward to your joining
us."

"Well, I may be closer than you think."

"What do you mean?" his voice was dark, still. "You aren't doing
anything to harm the child?"

"Absolutely not.. but last night, Janette said she could feel me
as a vampire feels another. I know you of spoken of the baby having
Nick's aura.. but this description.. she wasn't talking about the
baby.. she was talking about me."

"And?" he prompted.

"Well, I ran some tests." She looked up to see his indulgent
smile.

"Yes.. your inquiring mind cannot resist a challenge.. so what did
you find?"

"Anyway.. I had previously identified an element in Nick's blood
that I call the 'vampire virus'. It really is not a virus.. but every
vampire sample I have studied has this anomaly. Well, I have it
now... in my blood"

"Really? How fascinating.. and Nicholas has still not shared his
blood with you?"

"No.. he is afraid of hurting me or the baby.. anyway.. about 95%
of his cells have this anomaly.. and about 10% of mine. What is weird
is when I mix his blood with a pre-pregnancy sample of mine, his
cells overwhelm and destroy mine."

"As I would expect."

"Yes, well, now when I added his to my current sample.. I
increased the percentage to 50%, but they did not destroy my normal
cells."

"This is all very fascinating.. but as you say.. cut to the
chase.. what are your questions..? And I will warn you, I may not
have answers. We are entering uncharted territory. I have told you, I
have never seen a mortal woman carry a vampire's child."

"Have I already started across?" she whispered.. looking up to see
his eyes focused on her intently.

"Yes.. I have suspected for some time that this was happening,
which is why I wanted Janette to see you.. get a second opinion as it
were." He replied, his clear, confident voice breaching no doubt.

"OK.. what happens then.. will I come completely across this way..
or do we need to finish it at some point?" she asked.. the scientist
now needed something to focus upon.

"I doubt very much that you will come completely across this way.
At some point, our hand will be most likely be forced.. and either we
complete the process or you will either die or go insane.. But,
Natalie, I do not think you will have that year as a mortal mother..
actually, by the time you give birth, you will probably have very
little time left.. a few months at most." He reached out to take her
hand, not sure how eager she was to embrace immortality. He knew that
Nick would be quite upset..

"How will I know?" she asked softly.

"You may not have any signs.. or you may simply stop tolerating
food.. and I am not speaking of simply the nausea of pregnancy.. and
you will have developed vampiric abilities.. that is why the
lessons.. I am watching .. and the Elders are monitoring you.. they
will let me know if we delay to a point of danger." He smiled at her.
"I will not let any harm come to you.. tell me when you are ready..
and whether Nicholas is ready or not.."

"If I have not given birth yet?"

"You are far enough along that the child would survive if born
today.. even as a mortal?" Natalie nodded

"Yes, I have only two more months.."

"Well, we could arrange an accident that would force an emergency
delivery." At Natalie's shocked look, he smiled.. "Oh, please.. you
would never be in any real danger.. they would merely think you
were.. if I can conceal a bullet in the head.. you don't think I can
rig a fetal monitor strip showing distress.. or produce enough blood
that it would appear that your life was endangered?"

"Oh, OK.. sorry.. and I did not mean to doubt you.. I was just
surprised by this.. I needed to know I was not crazy."

"Never, my dear.. never." He smiled indulgently. "Anything
else?"

"Yes.. a favor. If they take any blood specimens from me or the
baby when I do deliver, I need you to make sure nothing unusual is
seen. Or remembered."

"Absolutely my dear.. I will take care of it.. and my price will
be named later." He smiled again.. his trademark calculating look
that made most mortals run away scared. Natalie merely strengthened
and stared back. <ah, she shows great promise. Already thinking of
protecting the community.. I shall enjoy extracting payment from
her... for years to come>

"Yes.. I am sure it will be.. and thank you for coming so
quickly." Natalie stood and gave him a quick embrace before going to
unlock the door.

"Pleased to be of service.. I will be in touch.." he nodded, and
with a whoosh was gone. Natalie sat down and put her documents away
and stared again at the unfinished files, but not really seeing..

************

Nick picked her up at 5 AM as usual and spoke at length about the
case he was working on.. the renovations that were almost done.. the
need for her to decide a theme for the nursery.. and finally stared
at her. "OK, Nat.. am I in the doghouse about something?" he looked
at her intently. "Why the silent treatment?"

She startled and stared at him, as if she had not heard a single
word he'd said. "Oh, Nick.. I am so sorry.. no, I am just a little
distracted."

"Feeling OK?" he asked solicitously.

"Yes, physically I am fine.. right now." he just stared
questioning, at this distinction... "let me make some tea.. and I
will talk .. OK, not in the car.."

He pulled the car into the garage and they rode up together in
silence. He went up to their room and changed into pajamas and
grabbed a bottle from the refrigerator.. and sat down on the couch.
After changing into a loose cotton nightgown and taking her mug of
tea, she sat down in the crook of his arm.

"I met Janette last night." She said quietly.

"And she did not wish me to know?" he asked softly, stroking her
shoulder.

"She did not say.. only that she was not ready to see you.. but
she thought she would want to see you when the baby is born."

"What did she want?"

"To chat." At his quizzical look, she smiled.. "a little girl
talk.. that is all. She thought I might want to talk to a woman..
she's heard about the sentence.. and the baby. Nick, it really
helped.. you don't know what a weight was lifted.. She is truly the
first woman that I have been able to talk about everything with.
Every other woman that I know, cannot know the whole story.."

"I am glad you two can be friends.." he said sincerely. "Where is
she?"

"Nick.. please don't push.. anyway.. she said she could sense
me.."

"She probably meant the baby.. she is sensing me through the
baby."

"No.. she sensed ME.." Natalie sighed at Nick's questioning look.
"So I drew a sample tonight and took it over to the Institute for a
little research."

"Obviously, it showed something.. or you would not be bringing
this up.. OK.. give me the news."

"I have already started across.. I spoke to LaCroix tonight as
well and he agrees with my theory.."

"Nick.. stop it.. jealousy does not become you.." Natalie's voice
was equally threatening and their eyes met.. both rimmed with
gold.

"Nat.. your eyes!! OHMIGOD!!" Nick just stared.. his own eyes
returning to a clear blue.. and watched as hers became their usual
soft blue.

"What about my eyes?"

"They changed... they became gold when you showed anger.. How do
you know you've already started?"

"My blood.. carries the vampire factor. When I tried to mix a
pre-pregnancy sample with your blood, the vampire factor engulfed and
consumed all the normal cells. Now, they are simply mixed.. and when
I added your blood, it merely changed the concentration.. but the
normal cells were not harmed or changed."

"OK.. so what did LaCroix have to say? And I really am sorry I
jumped at you.."

"That I won't have a full year to be a mortal mother.. we may need
to act out of necessity sooner.."

"What about the baby?"

"If I have not already given birth.. delivery may be umm, pushed
up.."

"Won't that be dangerous?"

"Nick.. the baby is far enough now that even a mortal child would
survive with good neonatal care. But remember this child is not
purely mortal.. no one knows what a normal gestation is.. for a mixed
child"

"So how will we know?"

"When I can no longer eat.. and have more pronounced abilities.
Nick.. I don't think flashing my eyes is what he meant.. But it might
be helpful if YOU refrain from pissing me off in public.." she
smiled, playfully punching his arm.

"OK.. I'll do my best.. but I will still need to finish bringing
you over?"

"Yes.. It won't happen completely.. for all I know these effects
are temporary.. but I don't know if I can afford to wait to find
out.. Are you OK with doing this on potentially short notice? I have
no doubts.. and I don't want you doing it if you have doubts..
Janette has offered her assistance as well."

"Personally, I would prefer Janette to LaCroix.. but in any event
you will still be bound to him indirectly. I don't want to lose you..
or our child. I want us to be a family. I have accepted that it means
you join me. I am looking forward to the day when I can fully express
my love, and not fear for your life." He spoke quietly, firmly and
pulled her tighter, splaying his large hand across her abdomen,
feeling their child move across his caress. She sighed in contentment
and turned slightly to face him.. their mouths meeting.. the kiss
deepening .. opening her mouth to his tongue. His hand moved across
to cup a full breast, caressing it gently through the thin nightgown.
She ran her hand across his chest, slowly unbuttoning his pajama top
and pushing it off his shoulder. He shrugged it off and slid his hand
inside the nightgown to massage her breast.. circling the nipples
with his fingers. She gasped with pleasure and rained kissed down his
face, his neck .. his chest.. while moving a hand lower... "Natalie..
stop." He pulled her hand back up to his face and kissed it gently..
"We are not prepared for that yet.." she looked at his eyes, golden
with passion.. and sighed.

"Someday, Nick.. someday." She pulled his hand back to her
abdomen.

"If you were not pregnant.." his eyes glinted at her and he
feathered kisses across her forehead, her neck, her lips. "I would
not have stopped you.. and you would.. very shortly... be joining me
in eternity.."

"Then.. it is sexual?" Natalie looked at him with a broad smile.
"Coming across, I mean."

"It can be.. and that is the most enjoyable way.." he smiled back,
kissing her neck again. "Not how I was brought over.. exactly."

"How were you brought over, Nick..?" this was something she had
never dared ask.. but now felt she needed to know.

"Janette seduced me.. and then introduced me to LaCroix.." he
again kissed her.. "They had been watching me for several days.. she
wanted me.. and her control was not very good.. so she asked him to
do it.. He offered me life never ending and after the Crusades and
being imprisoned for a year, it sounded good. I agreed." He sighed.
"And I reveled in my existence.. my immortality.. the hunt.. the
kill.. for a long time... then I began to question it.. the random
kills.. so I would only kill the wicked.. the 'guilty'.. But you know
what? There is no difference between guilty and innocent blood..
killing is killing. I have sought mortality for the past two hundred
years.. and have not killed in a hundred years." He hugged Natalie
closer, and she remained silent.. this was the most honest he'd ever
been about his vampiric past.. and this was something he needed to
do.. "My love.. if it means a life with you, I will abandon that
search.. you are what I sought, my dream was not life in the sun but
light in my soul.. peace in my soul.. a chance to atone for my wrong
doings.. I can still do this.. be with you, raise our child.. our
reality can be my dream in so many ways.." he kissed her softly.. and
stood, raising her to her feet.. and holding her tightly, walked up
the stairs to their bedroom

He quietly laid down next to her, face next to her abdomen and
began to sing softly in French. She was not sure exactly what he was
saying, but it sounded like a lullaby.. and she drifted off to sleep,
comforted by his strong arms and the strength of his love.. now and
for eternity.

CHAPTER 8 (one month later)

Natalie sat quietly on a bench in the park across from the
Coroner's office, sipping her tea and watching the sunrise. Since her
discovery of the changes occurring in her blood, she had taken to
working late.. with the excuse that she wanted everything caught up
before the baby came and watching the sunrise before going home. Nick
understood and said nothing. He knew she had no regrets about the
transition that she would soon make, but also understood the need to
savor the warmth while she could.

The May morning was already hot.. and her bagel was gone.. she was
about to head back to her car when she heard a familiar voice calling
her name.. she turned, seeing an old friend, the captain of the 27th
precinct.. her first assignment when joining the coroner's
office.

"Natalie.. I thought that was you.. working late? I thought I'd
miss you.. isn't your shift over at 5?" Joe Stonetree smiled and sat
down next to her.

"Joe.. what brings you down here? My shift was over at 5, but I
want to make sure my files are all up to date and complete at all
times now.. I never know if it will be my last shift.."

"Ah, yes.. you're at that point are you? I'm sorry I missed your
party. You and Nick certainly caused a stir." He smiled teasingly.
"Not that I did not know a long time ago that there was something
between you two. And talk about keeping secrets.."

"Well.. we have both been trained in confidentiality.. so we took
it to the extreme. You know what a private person Nick is.. and
Schanke was the only one who could really tease him and get away with
it."

"Yes.. I miss him too." He said quietly.. thinking of Nick's
former partner, killed in a plane crash almost two years previous.
"But I am sure that he is watching you two.. and enjoying this
immensely."

"Joe. I am sure you did not come all this way to talk about my
marriage. What is up?"

"That is the Natalie Lambert I remember.. the direct approach...
well, I'm here to ask you to come back to the 27th as primary
ME."

"Joe.. I would love to work with you, but I am happy at the 96th..
I'll continue to do some of your cases.. any time you'd like, just
request me."

"Natalie.. have you reviewed the departments policies regarding
assignments of parents?"

"Umm, no.. I did not know there was such a thing. Could you send
me a copy?"

"It's on your desk with a memo from your supervisor. I saw you out
here and thought I'd speak to you first. The department has a policy
forbidding assigning both parents of a minor child to the same crime
scene. In your case, it means that you cannot report to crime scenes
that Nick is handling. I know you enjoy working with him.. you still
can.. just not in the field. So when you come back from your leave,
one of you will be reassigned. I can put in a request and the spot
will be held.. otherwise, the department will hold off re-assigning
either you or Nick until you come back. There might be a day position
if you'd prefer.. but I'll hold the night shift if you want to stay
on shift with Nick. I'd like you to consider picking up more of my
calls.. I have a lot of green detectives.. they could use a more
experienced ME."

"Joe.. this is all news to me.. let me talk to Nick.. read the
memo.. I'll get back to you before I start my leave. Fair enough?"
She stood, with some difficulty and picked up her briefcase.

"Fair enough.. and from the looks of you.. that won't be any too
soon. You are looking well, though.."

"Thanks, Joe.. and I will consider what you said." She walked back
to her car slowly.

The warmth of the morning sun felt good.. but she had noticed that
sunburn was a bigger problem than previous springs. The few times
that she had gone to the park with Tracy in late afternoons had all
resulted in a painful sunburn.. no matter how much suncreen she used,
so she had declined Tracy's last few invitations.. being a 'beached
whale' gave her a more plausible explanation than being an 'almost
vampire'. The mornings were not a problem, though .. and food was not
an issue yet.. but her last sneak visit to the institute had shown an
increase in the vampire factors to 45%.. and an admonishment from
LaCroix just last week to be ready..

***********

Nick was still up, composing a new piece on the piano when Natalie
came in. "Good morning.. nice sunrise today, my love..?"

"Beautiful." She put down her briefcase and walked up to him for a
quick kiss. "I saw Joe Stonetree this morning.. he says hello"

"Oh.. what was he doing at the Coroner's office?"

"Trying to recruit me.."

"Come again?"

"Department regs.. parents cannot work together at crime scenes ..
so one of us is being reassigned. Since you have a partner involved,
it makes more sense for me to take the reassignment. At least that is
what the department is saying. At least Joe had the courtesy to say
something to me directly .. My boss just stuck a memo on the desk
when I was not there. Anyway, he wants me to go to days at the 96th
which I already emailed him and refused.. The other options are swing
shifts with a split assignment or nights at the 27th.. or wait until
after my leave to be reassigned and taking what is available.. so it
looks like deja vu for me.."

"How do you feel about that?"

"Well.. I'd rather work with you of course.. but I can live with
going to the 27th.. at least I won't have to worry about Tracy
figuring anything out."

"Is she a problem?" Nick asked with surprise. He had thought that
he was doing well at concealing his identity to his partner.

"Nick.. did I ever tell you about my bachelorette party?" at
Nick's shake 'no', she continued. "Well.. they took me to the Raven."
He looked at her, shocked and was about to speak.. "Let me finish..
well, first she saw me with LaCroix.. I was only saying hello and
making sure we would be safe.. anyway she kept asking about him and
looking at him funny.."

"Yeah.. I noticed that at the wedding as well."

"I just said you were friends.. your families went back a long
way.."

"True.. very true.." Nick said thoughtfully.

"Anyway, I thought she was distracted.. she was pretty plastered..
I was going to the ladies room and Vachon spoke to me.. she saw it..
I tried to bluff my way past how I knew him.. but she pulled me into
the ladies room and straight out said 'I know you know what he is.'
Well.. I admitted that I did.. I didn't have a lie ready to come out
glibly.. but I also warned her to never speak of this again to
anyone.. but she looked at me funny the rest of the night.. and every
time I went out on the dance floor.. all the vampires moved away.. it
would have been funny to watch except Tracy seemed to notice...
Vachon said the younger ones were afraid of me."

"Afraid of you?"

"Yeah.. they were leaving me alone because they did not want to
make you or LaCroix angry." She smiled. "See.. you can protect me
even if you aren't there."

"Wise idea.. especially not upsetting LaCroix.. he is not someone
to trifle with.. and I know that you have spent time with him.. while
I am not thrilled by it.. I can't exactly say I am not glad you have
his support. It will make your introduction to the community much
easier. And you speaking to him would have made it quite obvious that
you were under his protection.. but why would the young ones even
make the connection to me? It's not like you come to the Raven with
me.."

"Vachon said he could sense you through me.. and quite clearly
even at that point. Maybe they thought you'd bit me.. didn't you say
that gave a scent?"

"Yeah.. but you don't carry that kind of marker.. oh well.. it is
too late now.. everyone knows I am the father.. and I'll warn you.. I
am sure we will get some kind of summons to meet the Elders after you
come over."

"Have you ever been summoned?"

"No.. I have met Enforcers twice.. and that is frightening enough.
I don't know what to expect... but you are a bit of a special case..
and I am sure that your knowledge will be archived."

"So, what do we do with Tracy?" she asked.

"Nothing, as long as possible. But before we move on.. I'll make
sure LaCroix takes her memories if Vachon does not intend to bring
her over. I won't leave her a target.. OK?"

CHAPTER 9 (one month later)

It was the topic they'd steadfastly avoided since learning of
Natalie's impending conversion. Moving on. Neither one wanted it. And
yet, neither one was sure how long it would be before questions were
raised. Questions that could not be answered. It was more common to
leave the mortal ties immediately.. but since Natalie's family had
all died.. her only ties were to the vampire community and work.. and
Nick was confident that it would work... for a while...

The warmth of friendship was something that Natalie cherished and
sitting at her baby shower opening gifts, she knew she would tough it
out.. at least for a few years...

****

Tracy helped her carry the gifts up to the loft. She really was
there to see the nursery.. and get some answers... It had been three
months since the party at the Raven, and the discussion in the ladies
room, laced in secrecy. Seeing LaCroix at the wedding the next
evening, and watching the way he had interacted with the two of them
had her even more baffled. They both seemed comfortable, almost
casual with the intense man.. and neither of them seemed to notice
the aura of evil that surrounded him.

"Can I get you something, Trace..?" Natalie called out , moving
the last of the boxes into the nursery. She had left Tracy admiring
Nick's latest painting.

"Oh, I'll just grab a coke from the fridge.." Tracy replied
opening the refrigerator door. Standing in the nursery, Natalie
looked up quickly... <no, don't.. please don't look>.. but it
was too late. Tracy stood silently, a confused look on her face.. the
can of soda in one hand.. a glass bottle in the other. She watched as
Natalie walked out of the nursery and toward her... a sad, but
resigned look on her face. "Raven Private Reserve? I'm not totally
ignorant.. I know what this is.. Entertaining lately? I somehow don't
picture Vachon coming to call.. is this for LaCroix? You know a lot
more that you let on." She said accusingly.

"Put it back, Tracy.. and sit down." Natalie said firmly. "I'll be
right back." She went upstairs to their room and nudged Nick
awake.

"Nat.. is it time..?" he said sleepily.. he could sense that the
sun was still up, but would soon set.

"Time for something.. but not that." She said grimly, Nick
instantly became more alert at the tone in her voice. "We have a
problem. And I need your advice, and help."

"What is it?"

"Tracy" she said matter-of-factly. "She found a bottle in the
fridge. She asked if it was for LaCroix. She is firmly convinced that
she knows.. and if she is that accurate about him.. it is only a
matter of time.. and I don't want her going into the Raven to ask him
for information."

"Oh" he said pausing to think. "I know LaCroix thinks she's
dangerous. She takes being a detective too seriously sometimes.. and
Vachon cannot or will not control her." He sighed, coming to a
decision. "But I think she'll be less dangerous if she knows more and
is scared into silence. I'll talk to her.. and have LaCroix scare
her. He's good at it. You go downstairs.. I'll get dressed and come
down soon."

"Do you want me to say anything?"

"Not yet.. just pour a glass and have it ready for me."

"Ah.. the shock method." She smiled.

"Yeah.. I do it well." he laughed, their eyes meeting as both
recalled how they met.. when Nick had been brought into the morgue as
a bombing victim.. and came back to life on her autopsy table.

Natalie walked back downstairs, feeling Tracy's eyes on her.

"You did not need to wake Nick. This is between us.. I just need
to know what you know. It's driving me crazy.. I keep thinking I am
seeing vampires where none exist."

"Tracy, what I know could get you killed." Natalie said firmly,
grabbing two stemmed goblets. One she filled with milk, the other
with blood. She walked over to the couch and set both very
deliberately on the table in front of her and faced Tracy, seated in
the armchair.

"Expecting company? The sun is still up.."

"No Tracy, no company." Nick spoke as he walked down the stairs
and sat on the couch next to Natalie. He picked up the goblet of
blood, and facing Tracy directly, drank it down in one swallow.

"More..?" Natalie murmured as Nick and Tracy just stared at one
another.

"Bring the bottle." He said quietly. "OK, Tracy. I am putting your
life in danger, but if you probe the wrong people that could be
equally fatal as honesty from me." He took a swallow from the bottle
directly and let his eyes glow briefly. Tracy sat speechless.. "The
bottles are not for Vachon.. or LaCroix.. they are mine."

"Yes Tracy. It is." He look up at her, and smiled.. fangs fully
extended. "It's breakfast."

"OHMIGOD... Nick.. you're a.. a.." she stammered and moved to
stand, to leave.. Natalie took her hands and held them tightly.

"You were right Tracy.. I knew more that I would say... a lot
more.. You asked who my contact was in the community.. You wanted to
know. Now you know." Natalie said calmly, firmly.

Tracy had recovered from her original shock and had developed a
sense of anger, betrayal. "You kept this from me for two years..
knowing I knew about Vachon.. was dating him.." she looked between
the two of them.. "You are my friends.. my partner.. and you lied to
me.."

"I never lied, Tracy.. I may not have told you everything, but I
never lied. You never asked me." Nick answered emphatically.

"It was for your own safety." Natalie said patiently.

"Oh, I don't believe that.. you know.. and have known longer than
I.. and obviously know more than I do.." she looked pointedly at
Natalie's rather enlarged abdomen. "You are married to one.. and are
carrying his child. You are safe.."

"Yes.. I do know a LOT more.. and have medical documentation to
prove it.." Natalie said frankly. "But I am not safe. Not by a long
shot.. you see, Tracy there are those in the vampire world who have a
zero tolerance for mortals having any knowledge.. Vachon protects you
with a death oath.. as Nick has protected me for several years.. But
my knowledge was becoming too great for even that promise. I will be
joining the community within the next year.. for eternity."

"To be with Nick, you mean.."

Nick stood and moved closer, shaking his head. "No.. either she
comes over or she and our child will be executed because of her
knowledge.. I would have preferred waiting a few years.. have another
child.. but we were not given a choice."

"And because Nick got me pregnant.. if I refused to come over.. he
would be killed as well. This is nothing to joke about." Tracy just
sat silently, trying to absorb what she was being told.

"Why now.. ? Obviously you have known each other for some
time.."

"Because of the pregnancy. You see, Tracy.. that is not supposed
to happen. Mortal women die when they have sex with vampires. A
vampire, umm.. must take blood to uh.. finish. And they generally
don't stop with a little taste" Natalie replied.

"You didn't..?" Tracy looked at her confused. This had matched
something that Vachon had said one night when they were getting close
to intimacy.

"Well, I did not know who or what I was at the time.. I could only
remember my feelings toward Nat.. and my desire for her.." Nick
interjected, and Tracy could see the love reflected in his eyes.

"You remember.. he had amnesia when he was shot..." Natalie
answered the unspoken question.

"That's when..? But you remembered Nat?" she paused, searching her
memories of that night, that horrible night when she thought she'd
lost her partner. "Oh.. Um.. Nat.. tell me.. I was there.. I saw the
shooting. Did that bullet really glance off his 'rather thick scalp'?
I held him until the paramedics came... it sure looked worse to
me..."

"No, Tracy.. it's still in there.. I've been pulling bullets out
of other parts of his anatomy for years.. but I am not going into his
head.." Natalie laughed.

"I know I have been asking a lot of questions, Nat.. but I am a
detective.. it's what I do.." Tracy said, as if preparing for another
line of inquiry.

"Well, Tracy in this case.. discretion will keep you alive. There
are those you should not ask.." Natalie asked.. trying her own way to
end the questions.

"Like LaCroix.. very perceptive of you to figure out his secret..
but very dangerous. He has a very low tolerance for mortals..
especially curious ones. Tracy, he is the one who brought me over.
Made me what I am." Nick answered patiently.. beginning to set her up
for LaCroix's appearance.

"Nick, I heard him called "General". Just tell me, is he still in
the military?" Natalie started laughing loudly.

"Nat.." he looked at her "This is not funny.." Nick took another
sip as Natalie collected herself. "Tracy.. he was a general in the
Roman army.. before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii."
At this, Tracy took a deep swallow of her soda and began to tremble.
"About 2000 years ago.."

"And he brought YOU over..?" she started, and Nick nodded. "If I
may ask.. how old are you?"

"804 years. I was brought over in 1228. Returning from my second
tour in the Crusades."

"Two reasons." Natalie interjected. "One. Your questions are
getting too close to the mark and we don't want you attracting
attention. Attention which could prove fatal. If you are told the
truth.. perhaps you will leave it alone.. ask only one of us or
Vachon. And two. Because of me. Nick has learned to hide things well.
I will be young, have less control. You would eventually notice. And
if anything was said in the wrong company, people could die or at
minimum we'd have to move on."

"Wrong company? Nat, I would never.."

"Not intentionally. But you could and not even know it. Tracy.. NO
ONE is to know. Not Grace. Not Jill. Not our bosses. NO ONE." Nat
said forcefully.

"I thought you told Grace and Jill everything."

"And you thought Nick told YOU everything. NOT THIS."

Nick spoke up. "Tracy, because you cannot be hypnotized.." Tracy
looked at him surprised. "Vachon told me that he'd tried... and since
your knowledge was his fault, he has shielded you since then. But if
he or I ever leave you here unprotected, you will be killed."

"Or brought over." Natalie interjected. Nick may not be thrilled
at the idea.. but Natalie felt she should know really what the
options were.

"I won't say anything.. I promise." Tracy said earnestly.

"Tracy, we are not, as a rule, very trusting of outsiders. Your
promise to me, I accept. But the others won't and eventually you will
have to deal with the others."

"So.. you kill me? That's pretty cold Nick."

"No. You allow yourself to be hypnotized. You will remember Nat
and I and Vachon.. just not as vampires but as friends."

"You could do this? Vachon could not."

"I am older.. stronger. And if you are willing, submit to me, it
might work. But I would not do it. I would have LaCroix do it." With
a silent whoosh of displaced air, LaCroix stood behind Tracy.

"What if I don't agree to it Nick?" Tracy asked.

"Ah, detective.." LaCroix smiled his best cold, evil tone. Eyes
glowing red, fangs fully extended, he spun Tracy around and held her
easily a foot of the ground. "I do not require your cooperation."

Tracy stared, her heart pounding. "Who? Who are you? Oh my God..
Nick.." she stammered, the fear evident. LaCroix set her on her feet
but held her tightly, one hand on her shoulder, his eyes returning to
normal.

"Lucien LaCroix at your service. And you are detective Tracy
Vetter. And your knowledge of us is only acceptable temporarily
because Nicholas has vouched for your silence.. your young Spaniard's
word alone is not sufficient.. he is not known for keeping his oath.
Break it and you and he are both dead. Understand?" Tracy nodded
vigorously. "And when he leaves, you will not longer be permitted to
keep this knowledge." He laughed coldly. "you may have more options
that our good doctor here.. or I should say.. our
protÈgÈ.. Her days in the sun are now numbered in
double digits and counting down quickly..."

Tracy tried to gather thoughts. "OK, options.. what are they?"

"One. You are killed. Naturally you don't want that.. so let us
skip to number two. You are brought across and become one of us.. and
unlike our doctor you may select anyone you desire to be your
creator. OR finally, number three. Your memory is removed."

"Do I have to decide right this minute? And what do you mean when
you refer to 'moving on' when and what is that."

"Tracy, as a vampire.. I do not age.. Neither will Natalie." Nick
explained patiently " Eventually it is noticed. Because I create
personas which mingle with the mortal world, I can only stay in one
existence ten to fifteen years.. tops. So we leave before then. Start
a new life. Disappear completely."

"Ms. Vetter.. you do not need to decide now. When Nicholas leaves,
you will be visited by Enforcers.. our own police force. If he has
not done #2 or I have not done #3, they will do #1 and then find
Vachon, Nicholas and Natalie... and the child. Now we do not want
that. Do we?" his glare became icy.

"Absolutely not. OK, OK.. I'll be quiet and I'll stop asking
questions. And I will decide when I have to.."

"Very good. I will be watching you." LaCroix stared intently for a
minute and then nodded to Nick and rose through the skylight. Natalie
sat down next to Tracy, taking her hands.

"Tracy, are you OK with this? I'm sorry we had to be so rough with
you." Natalie said softly.

"Its just a lot to take in.. you weren't kidding.."

"No. I wasn't kidding. About any of this.. And it is not too late
for you.. you can still escape.. you still have a choice.."

"Natalie. What did he mean when he said your days in the sun are
numbered?"

Natalie sighed and looked at Nick. "Go ahead, Nat.. let's get
everything in the open." He murmured.

"OK Tracy.. When I was found to be pregnant, the community
determined that my level of knowledge and involvement was no longer
acceptable and a judgment was passed on me. As I said before.. I will
be joining the community within the next year."

"But he said DAYS.. not a year."

"And I said this was not supposed to happen.. any of it. I am in
uncharted territory here, Trace. By carrying Nick's child.. his DNA
is affecting mine.. we were not expecting this. I have already
started to change.." She hesitated and Tracy nodded, thinking of the
reaction of Vachon and others at the Raven that night. Now things
were making sense. "You know why I wouldn't go to the park with you?
Because I can no longer tolerate direct sun.. Or indirect afternoon
sun. Even with the strongest sunscreen, I burn and blister with as
little as 5 minutes."

"As least you don't smoke or flame.." Nick said dryly.

"Yet" Natalie returned.

Tracy smiled and finally relaxed. "I never knew. I thought it was
just the pregnancy."

"You weren't supposed to know.. remember?"

"Oh, yeah.. so now you will just kind of change and one day you
wake up a vampire?"

"No. Nick will still need to complete the process.. but I am past
the point of it being reversible.. even if I wanted to avoid it or we
were permitted to avoid it. It will be soon. While I am on my
leave."

"When do you start your leave? And you are going to come
back?"

"I'm already off field work. That last crime scene was hard.. took
two uniforms to help me stand up.. and Grace can tell you about me
almost falling into an open abdomen last week.. it wasn't pretty.. my
center of gravity is a little off. I start my actual leave on
Friday.. I'm just cleaning up the files right now. Chang will take
over for the 96th. When I come back, I'll cover the 27th...
department regs."

"Tracy." Nick broke into the discussion. "I know this is kind of a
bad time to ask you for a favor since we just finished shocking you..
but if Nat goes into labor during the day..?"

He did not even finish the question when she smiled. "Of course
Nick.. I would be happy to drive you both in.. I'll even drive that
boat of yours so you can use the trunk.. and now I know why you like
that big trunk.. Just call my cellular.. unlike some people I know..
mine is always on and charged."

CHAPTER 10

"Knight, Vetter.. got a call." Reese's voice boomed across the
squad room overshadowing the din of shift change. He strolled over to
their desk. "Body found in an abandoned house. Check it out.. ME is
rolling." He looked at Nick. "I think its Chang."

"Yeah.. Nat started her leave yesterday.. Too hard to work around
a dancing belly she said.. And whenever I'm around, the baby is doing
back flips.. And you know how she refused to compromise her
standards."

"I know.. and I'll miss her doing our cases."

"Cap.. she'll still be doing curbsides for me." Nick grinned. "It
may not be on city time.. or city property though."

"Can't complain about that.. and I won't.. and if Chang doesn't
like that.. he can talk to the two of you. Now go.. get out of here..
report back by the end of the shift.."

******

Natalie was enjoying her new freedom.. catching up on journals,..
even reading fiction. Knowing that eventually she would need
proficiency in other languages, she'd decided to surprise Nick and
brush up on her French. She sat at the dining room table, popped a
CD-ROM into the laptop computer and sipped her tea. Even though she
was on leave, she was keeping the same nocturnal hours. <might as
well get used to it> she thought. Her last blood test, most likely
the last she'd be able to do legitimately, showed her count up to
62%. Her vision and hearing had become sharper and the queasiness of
early pregnancy was back.. only worse...

It came as no surprise when she felt a tingling on her neck.
Without looking up she spoke. "Hello LaCroix.. time for a
lesson?"

Standing behind her, out of her vision, she could not see his wide
smile. "Very good my dear. You've made progress." He walked up to
peer over her shoulder. "Ah.. thinking ahead? But I could teach you
this as well.." he indicated the grammar exercise that appeared on
the screen.

"I know that. I wanted to surprise Nick. We have not decided where
we will go next.. but he has always talked about taking me to France
on a holiday. I guess you don't surprise easily."

"Natalie.. you are full of surprises." He sat down next to her and
looked into her eyes. "Your time grows short, does it not?"

"I am due in three weeks, yes."

"That is not what I meant."

"I know. And you are right. I can only eat dairy and sip tea.. the
protein shakes I made for Nick. And I sensed you very clearly."

"So. Are you ready? Do we proceed with an accident as we discussed
before?"

"I'm ready. But I have a different idea."

"I'm listening."

"My water breaks.. either I go into labor.. or they will stimulate
it or deliver me. But in any case, I deliver the child within 2
days.. come home.. and if my symptoms don't improve.. be brought
over. Do you think a week is safe?"

"Yes.. that sounds reasonable.. won't even require much
assistance. So how does one 'break water'?"

"Do YOU really have to do it? Umm.. I'd rather Janette do it." he
looked at her questioning. "It involves a vaginal exam. Sorry,
LaCroix.. but there are only two vampires that I will allow down
there.. and you aren't one of them."

Her bag was by the door, all ready. Natalie sat on the couch
trembling slightly. She had thought she was ready, told him she was
ready.. but now that the dream was a reality.. she was nervous.

"Natalie.. it will be fine. You will be fine.. Nicholas is at
work?" she nodded. "Should you call him?"

"When we are done. Everyone must think this happened on its own.
If Janette cannot get to the bag.. I need to start bleeding.. and
that may take a little more doing."

"Understood." He stood behind her and massaged her shoulders.

Janette arrived quickly, flying through the skylight, landing
softly in front of the couch. "Mon pere.. Natalie .. how may I be of
assistance?"

"Natalie will explain." He stood and moved into the kitchen. "I
will await you.."

Natalie nodded, and took Janette's arm, walking with her into the
bathroom. "Janette, you know how I have been changing?" she nodded
and indicated Natalie should continue. "Well. I need to finish the
change. Soon. very soon."

"You know, I will be happy to bring you over, but what about the
child..? And I would want to speak to Nicholas first.. I will not do
it as a surprise." Janette answered sternly.

"Janette.. I need your help to go into labor. Not come over. I
need to give birth... see my daughter .. then I will have Nick bring
me over.."

"Very well." she replied, a relieved tone in her voice. " In that
case, I am happy to help. What do I do?"

"You are going to break my bag of water." Natalie said, walking
into the bathroom, handing her an amniohook and loosening her
clothing. Janette took it, a skeptical look on her face. "Oh, don't
worry. I'll talk you through it.. it is safe for us both. Then I call
Nick.. say it is time.. and we go to the hospital."

"Are you sure?" Janette said watching as Natalie undressed and
eased herself onto the floor of the bathroom.

"Janette.. I would rather you do this than LaCroix. I am ready..
to have the baby.. and to come over." She sighed. "I can no longer
tolerate the sun. I can barely tolerate food. I need to do this."

Janette knelt and gave her a hug. "OK, Natalie.. I have never done
this.. I helped friends deliver babies when I was mortal.. but that
was a very, very long time ago.." Natalie laid down and gave Janette
a step by step guide.. and was rewarded by a gush of warm amniotic
fluid... followed by a sharp pain. "Natalie.. what is it..? Are you
OK?"

"Ooh.. umm... thank you Janette.. uh, it worked.." she caressed
her abdomen and breathed deeply as the contraction eased. "That was
just a contraction. I'm OK.. time for step two. I need to call Nick
and let nature take its course." She readjusted her clothes and
walked into the main room.

"So.. Natalie.. Janette..?" LaCroix looked up as Natalie picked up
the phone and dialed.

"Damn.. he doesn't have his portable on.." she mumbled. "Yes,
LaCroix.. it worked." She dialed the precinct and feeling a
contraction begin.. put the phone on speaker and motioned for them to
be quiet.

"96th precinct. Sergeant Wells."

"Hey Bob.. this is Natalie." She began to breath heavy as the
contraction peaked. "Uhh.. is Nick there?"

"You OK? You sound out of breath.." she could hear sounds of other
voices, getting closer and could picture in her mind, him pulling the
office pool off the bulletin board.

"I need Nick. His portable is off." She repeated, caressing her
abdomen as the contraction eased, she could feel fluid trickle down
her legs.

"He isn't here, Natalie .. he and Vetter are out on a call. I can
take a message." He said, business-like.

"No.. I need Nick.. now.. I can't wait for him to finish an
investigation." she repeated, knowing that her statement would start
the phone tree on the office pool.

"OK, I'll put you through to the captain." She heard the phone
click over.

"Natalie? Is this business or social? Nick is out on a call."
Reese's voice was concerned. Since their marriage, he had become
rather paternal to both she and Nick, and hovered around her at crime
scenes.

"Yeah.. that's what Bob said. I need Nick umm, now.." she felt
another contraction begin and looking at her watch, realized that
this was going to go quickly.

"Is it that time, Natalie?" he asked calmly, patiently, hearing
her breath coming deeper. "How far apart are the contractions?"

"Yeah.. umm, three minutes apart and my water just broke.." she
replied, taking short shallow breaths as the contraction peaked.

"OK.. stay calm.. I'll call dispatch.. have Vetter bring him to
the hospital. Are you alone? I can send a unit to get you.."

"I have a friend here, she can drive me in.. I'll meet Nick at
University Hospital.."

"Nat.. good luck.. I'm looking forward to meeting the baby.. we'll
get Nick there.." she heard the phone disconnect and Natalie turned
to her companions.

"OK.. step three.. who wants to drive me into the hospital?"

"My dear, nothing so mundane.. Janette will bring your bag.. and
you packed some sustenance for Nicholas?" She nodded and LaCroix
picked her up and flew her out the skylight.

*************

The investigation was, so far, difficult. No witnesses. Cause of
death unclear. Drug paraphernalia present and a lot of vague signs of
a fight..

"I miss Lambert already." Muttered one of the attendants.

"She'd be done and have an answer already." the other agreed. Nick
said nothing but moved closer to the body and started to point out
his observations.

"Knight.. stick to the detective work. I will do the pathology.
You may be married to one, but you are not a coroner." Dr. Chang
glared at him. Nick stared back, eyes glittering, anger rising.

"OK.. give me a TOD? A Cause? Even an opinion.. is this a
homicide? Or are you incapable of sticking your neck out?" Nick said
coldly and Tracy moved closer. She could tell that Nick was getting
dangerously close to losing control.

"Guys, guys.. Enough already.. face it Nick.. your mind is more on
other issues right now. Cool it." The anger was palpable and Tracy
did her best to diffuse it.

Nick reached into his pocket and checked. "Ooops." He said
sheepishly... but the tension was broken.

"Hey.. Todd.. you're in the running.. don't you have today?"
another uniformed officer called out and Nick looked up sharply.

"What was that?" Nick said quickly.. that sounded like the office
pool.. date, time, weight, sex.. cops bet on anything.. He knew that
there was a pool about his child's birth.. but tried to ignore
it..

"Yeah.. Knight.." the first officer continued, glaring at the
other. "got a call from dispatch.. your wife called the precinct
looking for you .. she is enroute to University Hospital.
Contractions three minutes apart. Vetter is to drive you there.. and
Reese said to use the siren... and to call when she delivers."

"Come on Nick.. we're out of here.." Tracy pulled on Nick's arm
and put out her hand for the keys. She knew he would want to fly..
but would take him sufficiently far away from the crime scene..

**************

Nick strode into the hospital emergency department and went to the
information desk. An elderly woman with stacks of files surrounding
her, sat typing on a computer.

"Excuse me.." he looked at her, locking on her heart beat..
forcing her to look at him. "Natalie Knight?"

The woman smiled. "Ah, yes.. a labor case.. came in about fifteen
minutes ago.. you must be her husband... she went straight up to OB..
take the elevator, at the end of this hallway.. third floor, take a
left and check at the desk."

"I was merely checking on her.. knowing you were out. That is all.
And she kicked me out of the room. Nasty temper that woman has.. she
is over there.. room 8." Nick laughed at his description of her
temper.. <yeah.. Nat could be pretty abrupt.. even if she was not
in labor... but now.. was probably not a pretty sight.>

He walked into the room, and was shocked to see Janette holding
Natalie's hand.. soothing her through a contraction.

"Janette, what are you doing here?"

"What does it look like, Nick?" Natalie snapped. "She is helping
me.. you weren't here yet.. Come here.." He walked closer and took
her hand, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead. He sat down on the
bed and met her eyes.. and was surprised to see the power.. she was
further gone than he'd realized. With sudden certainty he knew that
seeing his vampiric family together and Natalie's labor was not a
coincidence.. and knew that he would soon have a job to do.

"How close are you?" he said looking deeply, intently in her
eyes.. not noticing Janette sneak out of the room.

"Very close.." she said softly and squeezed his hand tightly as a
contraction began. He supported her gently, rubbing her back, her
shoulders and gently hypnotizing the pain away.. willing her to
relax.. and it wasn't long before her mood changed.. darkened.. he
could see on the monitor tracing that the contractions were firmer,
longer. He could smell her blood, oozing out.. and his eyes began to
glow.

"Nick.. in the suitcase.. two flasks for you.." she gasped between
contractions. He quickly drank one as the nurse walked into the room.
Before she could see anything he was back at Natalie's side.

"Hi.. you must be Daddy.." she said with a warm smile..

"Nick." He said, shaking her hand firmly.

"I'm Susan.. and it looks from the monitor tracings that you're
making progress, Natalie... I think it's time for a status report,
no?" She had a calm, experienced tone.. confident mannerisms.. and
Nick felt very much at ease.

"OK.." Natalie answered and bent her knees up so Susan could check
her. Nick just watched, fascinated.

"Oh.. are you sure this is your first? You are moving along very
fast.. You are 8 centimeters. Well.. I hope you were serious about
not having an epidural.. 'cause you're too far along for one." Susan
informed her. "I'm just going to give your doctor a jingle, and then
I'll be back to start setting up for the party.. OK?"

"Yes.. I am sure.. I want to do this naturally.." Natalie smiled,
wiping the sweat from her brow. As Susan left the room.. she murmured
to Nick.. "finish the bottle.. it will get pretty bloody before we
are alone again. Childbirth is a vampire nightmare.. and tell LaCroix
and Janette to find something to eat if they plan to stay the day. I
will bleed for at least a few days and I don't want to be too
tempting." He complied and stepped to the doorway to motion for
LaCroix.

"We are very close.. you may want to find a snack or something if
you intend to stick around. It is almost dawn.. Nat is concerned
about our reactions to the smell. She said it will be strong," he
whispered and LaCroix nodded as Nick went back in to support
Natalie.

By the time that Janette and LaCroix had returned from their
little visit to the blood bank, they could see a red flag above the
door, and activity increasing.. and the doctor stride in
breathlessly.

"Natalie.. my dear.. you don't mess around, do you?" Dr. Wagner
said teasingly. "Hi, Nick.. well.. I hear it is time for the big
event.." She bent over and quickly examined Natalie.

"Yeah, Sarah.. you know me.. always in a hurry." Natalie joked.
"So?? can I push?"

"By all means.. but please.. give me a chance to go change.. so
not too vigorously.."

It only took a few pushes.. and Nick could see the pale curls on
his daughter's head.. Natalie had lost any sense of modesty by this
time.. and did not care that Nick was coaching her from the end of
the bed.. staring at her..

"Whoa.. slow it down Natalie.." Susan cautioned.. sticking her
head out the door to wave at the desk. Another nurse came in wheeling
a clear plexiglass crib loaded with blankets. Dr. Wagner strode back
in, now dressed in scrubs, dark hair contained in a paper cap.

"OK, Natalie.. let me put on the catcher's mitt.. and we'll have a
birthday party.." she said cheerfully and two pushes later, their
daughter slipped out and let out a vigorous wail.

"Welcome to the world little one.." Nick murmured gazing intently
at his daughter, watching the nurses dry her off, wrap her tightly
and bring her over for Natalie to hold..

"You did great.. absolutely great Natalie.. No stitches.. there
was just a small scrape.. if I did not know your membranes popped on
their own, I'd say it was from a hook.. but it isn't enough to
stitch... so if she is eating well, and you don't bleed.. you'll both
be able to go home tomorrow. Who's your pediatrician?"

"Paula Faye.. and you think I may bleed?"

"Well.. your labor went so fast.. I'm going to have them take a
look at the placenta.. but I think you were starting to abrupt..
that's why you had the bleeding toward the end. Nothing to worry
about.. but I just don't want to send you home today."

"Whatever you think is best.. but Nick is allergic to sunlight..
so I really want to leave before sunrise then."

"OK, OK.. I'll start rounds at 5am.. but I usually start in the
ICU.. I'll see you first though.. You better tell Paula that.. she
usually rounds later.. Congratulations."

She walked out of the room.. and except for Susan putting away all
evidence of the recent activities and every so often checking on
Natalie, and the baby. Nick reached for the phone and dialed the
precinct.

"Andy Taigget.. day shift vice. Tracy says congrats.. she'll come
over later this afternoon. Umm, are you ready for visitors? I know
two who did not leave when the sun came up.."

"They stayed..? I thought LaCroix would leave in a snit.. I was
pretty nasty to him.." she said in surprise as Nick walked to the
door, and motioned them in.. They followed him hesitantly.. seeing
the room tidied up.. and Natalie perched upright in the bed, cradling
a blanketed bundle. "Come on in.." she called out to them.

"I would like you both to meet Claire Marie deBrabant Knight" Nick
said formally taking his daughter from Natalie and pushing aside
enough blanket for the others to see her clearly.

"She is exquisite.. like her mother.' LaCroix whispered.. and then
said something softly in what sounded like Latin.

"So, am I forgiven for kicking you out?" Natalie teased.

"Of course, my dear.. I am not your husband.. and I had no
business watching that process.. truthfully, I was thankful that you
did not expect me to witness this event." Natalie just smiled at
him.. amazed that she could now be so comfortable around her former
enemy.. "Now, I believe we all need to rest.. Congratulations both of
you.. I will see you after sunset.."

*********

Nick sat in the recliner, his daughter resting snugly on his
chest, Natalie sleeping in the bed next to him. He began to sing
softly.. a lullaby in French..

"That was beautiful, Nick." She said softly gazing at the picture
of her husband and child.

"So.. Nat.. you pushed things.. didn't you? That scrape was what
she described.. wasn't it?"

"Yeah.. I talked Janette through it. I'll be fine. I had to, Nick.
I am getting too far.. I need to.."

"Yes, I know.. I could sense it when you were in labor.. but how
do YOU know?"

"I have not kept solid food down in a week. I've been living on
yogurt, milkshakes and those protein shakes I used to make for you."
she looked at him, the fatigue still evident. "No one knows if the
effects are temporary.. if I cannot eat now that I've delivered.. it
is time."

"Time?" he looked at her questioning.

"For you to intervene." She said simply, matter-of-factly

"So soon? I had hoped you'd have some time to heal a little." He
sighed.

"I thought everything was taken care of after.."

"Well.. I could just use the traditional method." Nick scratched
his head, avoiding her questioning look.

"What are you trying to say.. but not say? Let me guess.. you are
embarrassed.. so it must be sex." Natalie looked at him intently.

"Oh, Natalie.. there are times that my 13th century upbringing
really shows. OK.. I was going to use a slightly different
technique.. make it a little more pleasurable for you." he looked at
her, taking her hand gently. " To be precise.. I would make love to
you.. and at the umm.. peak.. I would bring you over.."

Natalie followed his gaze, sensing his discomfort. She reached
over and touched his hand, which was still gently stroking their
daughter. "Its OK, Nick. I'll be healed enough. I want you to do
that.. I want it to be as special as you'd planned. I know this is
not the dream you had for us.. but it is our reality.. and it is my
dream.. an eternity to be with you.. to love you.. and a child as
well."

"Whom we will outlive."

"You don't know that.. no one does.. she will grow up knowing the
truth.. and if she chooses, she can join us.. then again.. you don't
know whether she is affected or not.."

"OK, OK.. you are the optimist.. I am the pessimist." Their eyes
met and he moved to the side of her bed, gently embracing her...
until a loud wail interrupted the moment and their daughter opened
her eyes wide and turned her head to nuzzle Nick's neck.. "uh, Nat?
You think she's hungry?" Nick laughed.

"Yeah.. let me take her.. I don't want her getting YOU too turned
on.." Natalie laughed and took the bottle to feed her.

CHAPTER 11

Claire was a week old.. and thriving.. for the first few days
after giving birth, Natalie could once again eat solid foods. Then it
came back.. the nausea.. intense nausea.. and hunger.. worse than
before and unrelenting.. she felt herself weakening..

After an unsuccessful attempt to eat yogurt.. about the only food
she had been able to eat for several days.. Natalie knew it was
time... she could not tolerate it any longer. She crawled into bed
where Nick still slept. Curling herself against him, she began to
caress him. Unbuttoning his pajama top to reach his bare skin, she
caressed his chest.. kissed him softly.. moving higher to meet his
lips.

"And good afternoon to you.." he met her eyes and kissed her
gently. "I'm not arguing with your method.. but is there a reason you
woke me?"

"Nick.. I can't keep yogurt or tea down today. I'm ready. I don't
want to wait any longer."

He looked at her intently, studying her face. "I agree. Let me
call LaCroix for some supplies. And a babysitter. We can't have
Claire need something.. you will not be safe around her at all
today.. and for a few days, not alone." He got up, slipped on a robe
and went down stairs to the phone. Speaking rapidly in French.. he
came back upstairs drinking deeply from a bottle marked with a wide
red ribbon. Natalie had noticed it appear after the birth.. it was
labeled in an old French dialect.. and had been hidden in the
back.

"Gift?" she asked indicating the bottle.

"From LaCroix.. extra special blend... includes umbilical cord
blood from Claire.. It will make me stronger.. better control. Better
for you as well." he smiled, taking another swallow. "Nat, Janette is
going to take care of Claire. LaCroix will be downstairs. He won't
watch but he will be aware of what is going on.. and stop me if
needed. OK?"

"Sure. Whatever you need. It is strange but I do trust him.. at
least to do this for us.." she sat on the bed, her quiet calmness
hiding her pounding heart.. but not enough that Nick was not fully
aware. He sat behind her and began to massage her shoulders. He said
nothing as he sensed that LaCroix and Janette had arrived. Natalie
sensed them as well, and reached for her robe. She stood and walked
up to the bassinet. Picking up her sleeping daughter, she went to the
stairs with Nick close behind.

"So, my dear.. it is time." LaCroix said quietly. "You know I will
be here.. not to intrude, but.."

"Yes, I understand. And I appreciate your concern.." she stood on
tip toe and kissed his forehead before walking over to Janette.
Giving Claire a kiss on the head, and clutching her to her breast
briefly, she placed her in Janette's arms. "And I appreciate your
part in this as well, Janette. There are bottles made up already if
she gets hungry. Just warm them.. she doesn't like it cold any more
than you.." her tone was teasing.

"I will cherish and protect her, Natalie." She touched Natalie's
arm. "And I will be here waiting for you to come back to us.. it will
be all right. Everything will be fine.. you are ready.."

Natalie smiled nervously as Nick grabbed several bottles from a
box that LaCroix carried. Taking her hand, he led her back upstairs
and closed the door. Setting the bottles on the nightstand, he walked
over to where she stood silently, motionless.

"Nat.. don't be afraid." He said, pulling her into his arms and
gently kissing her forehead, her eyes, her nose and then her lips..
at first tentative, gentle. As she relaxed and began to respond, he
deepened the kiss, probed her mouth with his tongue.. traced the
inside of her warm cavity.. She pulled his head down closer, wrapping
her arms around his neck. Sliding his arms around her, under her
legs, he picked her up and laid her on the bed, shedding his robe and
top at the same time.. and loosening her robe. Laying down next to
her, he rained kisses down her neck, her shoulder and untied her gown
to reach within and cup a full, firm breast.. trailing kisses to the
rosy tips.. he pushed the gown off.

"Careful, Nick.. I don't think the milk has dried up.. I wouldn't
suck there.." she murmured as his kisses focused on her breasts..
although she was enjoying the tingling sensations that he created.
And as if to prove her point.. a stream of warm milk jetted out and
caught him on the cheek.

"OK.. OK.. guess I have to be more careful with the new mother..
should have had Claire empty you out first." He laughed, continuing
to caress her sides.. reaching down lower. He stood to stood to shed
his pajamas and helped her off with her gown and panties.. his
caresses were gentle, deliberate as he sought to give her pleasure
but still acknowledge her recent delivery. The evidence remained in
the fullness of her breasts and the roundness of her abdomen.

"Nick.. don't stare, please.. I look horrible.. so flabby.."
Natalie whispered self-consciously as he gazed at her figure.

"Nat.. you are beautiful.. you just gave birth to my daughter.. I
would expect changes.. I am not into anorexic.. remember.. when I was
growing up, a woman was not a beauty until she had given birth..
Now.. before I get too excited.. are you sure you want to do it this
way?"

"Nick.. I am fine.. and I think you are already getting
excited...." She murmured and reach out to caress him.

He gasped at the unexpected sensation of her warm hands on him
Meeting her lips with his own, he kissed her forcefully, his tongue
parting her lips, exploring her mouth, his hands exploring her body
and pulling her tightly against him. Trailing kisses down her face,
her neck and beyond, he rolled her on her back.. feeling the vampire
rise within him.

Eyes glowing and fangs fully extended, he looked down at her
smiling. "Ready?" he whispered between kisses. Natalie merely smiled
and pulled him closer.

"Do it." she said forcefully. Pulling his face to hers and kissing
him intensely. She felt herself riding a wave of passion.. higher and
higher.. and then she felt the sharp prick of Nick's fangs in her
neck.. and her blood flowing into him as he sucked gently.. she saw
jumbled images.. Nick's past.. his life as a mortal.. coming over..
traveling with Janette and LaCroix.. and then she sensed his deep
abiding love.. and then all was black..

Nick pulled away.. her heart was slowing.. he sensed LaCroix in
the room.. silent.. observing. Feeling her to be at the threshold
between life and death, he nipped his wrist, drawing on it until he
had started the blood flowing.. laying next to her on his side, he
reached over and dripped the blood into her mouth and began to
whisper into her ear. "Natalie.. come back to me.. turn away from the
light.. come back to us.. I love you.. I need you.. your daughter
needs you.." he felt a gentle tugging on his wrist as she first
licked and then began to suck earnestly. The tingling he sensed began
to burn but he did not move away.. finally LaCroix stepped forward
and pulled Nick's wrist away but held a bottle to her lips as she
drank fervently.. and her eyes popped open. Glowing green eyes.

"Nick.. I'm hungry.. where's that bottle?" she whispered.. taking
in the sensations fully..

"Yes.. I know.. here.." he said, handing her a bottle and helping
her into her gown and robe... and putting on his own robe. She drank
both bottles quickly and LaCroix returned with another one for her..
and handed one to Nick as well.

"It's uncut. Pure and fresh.." he murmured as Nick's eyes glowed
with the first taste. "Nothing but the best for my new
granddaughter.. and for my son." He looked at Nick with pride..
waving at the bed .. "I didn't think you had it in you.. this way
requires so much more control.."

"Ah, but it is more pleasurable for the fledgling. And she will be
stronger than the average fledgling.." he returned. "We may not have
had a choice in whether it would happen.. but at least I can give
Natalie every possible benefit."

"She is already stronger than the average fledgling.. and I am
still proud of you, mon fils..." He turned to Natalie. "So.. my
dear.. welcome to the night.."

Leaning on Nick's arm, Natalie looked up at the elder vampire. For
all the years that they had been at odds with each other, he now
gazed on her like a proud father. "Thank you, Lucien." She replied,
her voice sounding strangely loud.

Extending an arm, he grasped her hand lightly, squeezing it
gently. "Natalie... you have nothing to fear from me. For now and
eternity you are of my family... my blood. I will protect you with my
very life." Their eyes met with an intensity that Natalie had never
experienced, as Nick held her tightly. "I will take my leave of
you... but please come see me soon." With a nod to Nick, he left them
alone.

Natalie turned in Nick's embrace, kissing him lightly. "So, when
do I see Claire?" she asked softly.

"Not yet." He replied, pulling her tighter against him. "We aren't
quite done yet.." he smiled, twining his hands in hers and leading
her to the bed.

"What? I'm not across yet?" she asked in confusion. She could hear
Claire's cooing as Janette rocked her downstairs...

"You are." He said, pulling her next to him on the bed. "And I
have shared of your life tonight, but you have not fully experienced
mine...." He kissed her with increasing intensity, caressing her
shoulders as he pushed the robe off.

"Wait... Nick. What are you doing?" Natalie said in a panic,
feeling her desire for him growing. A tingling sensation filled her
as he pushed off her gown.

"Making love to my wife..." he said with an innocent grin. His
eyes had taken on the luminescent quality that she'd always
associated with the vampire. "Fully... without worry of killing her.
And this time, you will be able to understand why we could not do
this before..."

"Well, why didn't you tell me?" she grinned, pushing his robe off.
The room seemed to fill with a golden glow as she began to trail
kisses across his chest. His caresses grew more deliberate, the
sensations intense. She realized suddenly, that the milk no longer
filled her breasts... and her belly bore no evidence of her recent
pregnancy. "Nick... the milk..." she said with a panic.

"Is gone." He confirmed, caressing her breasts gently to confirm
it. "I told you that would happen. Vampires don't have children.
Remember?" he slid down next to her.

"Yeah... I just didn't think it would be instantaneous." She
sighed, gazing at his face, his eyes golden with passion. "So, are my
eyes still blue?"

"No... they aren't..." he replied, rolling her onto her back,
caressing her body in ways that she'd never imagined. The sensations
were more intense... and with a start, she felt a sharp pain as her
canines elongated, and her fangs dropped for the first time.

"Oww." She exclaimed, reaching up to feel them. "Nick? How did
that happen?"

He continued to caress her, kissing her neck lightly, licking the
vein. "Its supposed to." He said simply, smiling so that she could
see that his fangs had dropped as well. "There are two things which
will cause the vampire in you to surface." He explained in between
kisses. "Hunger... the need to feed." He whispered, his kisses
traveling down her belly. "And then there is passion..." he
whispered, his eyes lightening up.

"Nick..." she pulled him up to face her. "I need something... I
don't know what... but I need something. Hand me the bottle." She
murmured desperately. She could see, faintly, the veins on his neck.
Her fangs ached...

"No" he said firmly, pulling her closer.

"No? Nick..." she said louder, starting to panic.

"No. That is not what you need." He grinned, moving next to her,
whispering in her ear. "Take me."

She pulled back slightly. "Take you?" she asked, horrified.

"Take me. Bite me... drink of me." he moved his next closer to her
face, "it will give me pleasure. It is what you want. Do it." he said
firmly and moaned in delight as he felt her fangs penetrate his neck
tentatively. Feeling her reach the vein and begin to drink, he leaned
slightly and penetrated her shoulder, feeling her sweet blood... her
essence mingling with his.... Her thoughts becoming his....

With a low growl, she pulled back and met his delighted gaze. Her
eyes were, at first, unfocused, but began to clear. Her fangs had
retracted and she gave him an embarrassed smile. "What was that?"

"Good? Huh?" he prompted with a leering gaze.

"Uh, yeah... is that supposed to happen?" she stammered looking up
at him. His memories were a blur in her mind, but she could feel his
love, knew his delight in their new bond.

"Absolutely. And I hope more than once..." he pulled her tight,
kissing her forehead. "You could call that the vampire version of
losing your virginity."

"What, the biting? Nick. You never told me that I would want to
bite you." she looked at him deliberately, leaning back into the
pillows.

"Its kind of hard to explain." He shrugged. "I thought it would be
better to just let your instincts guide you." Caressing her shoulder
lightly, watching the punctures seal and close, he continued. "The
sharing of blood, the sharing of ourselves... that is more important
than the physical part of sex."

"So, we won't... ummm... be able to..." she stammered, surprised
at her own embarrassment.

"No, of course we can. Didn't we just...?" he grinned, noting her
embarrassed smile. "But you will need blood... fresh blood... in
order to finish..."

"So that is why you would never?" she began.

"Except when the vampire was dormant. And you know what it took
for that to happen" He said with a nervous laugh, wrapping his arm
around her. "There are some who can take just a sip... but I was
never able to do this with women that I love."

"And now?" she asked hesitantly.

"Now we have eternity...." He said kissing her forehead
lightly.

"Eternity..." she whispered sleepily, leaning into his embrace.
The reality of her dreams was better than she'd ever imagined....